“Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.”
This quote is by poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou.
Hate shows itself in many forms, including abuse, neglect, crimes, racism, sexism, and prejudices of every kind. As Angelou says, and as all of us know or should know from our own life experience, hate never solves problems. Rather, it causes and continues very serious problems that result in harm to many people.
Love, on the other hand, prevents problems from starting. And for problems that already exist, love solves them. Love in the form of compassion and empathy provides the basis for making people’s lives better and more meaningful. This happens on a one-to-one basis when we treat each other in caring, respectful, and nonjudgmental ways. And it happens in ways that affect groups of people, such as when legislators pass legislation that funds programs that assist individuals and families who need affordable and accessible housing, physical and mental health care, and quality educational opportunities for children.
As has been expressed by many of the people whose words of wisdom I have written about in my blog, it’s essential that all of us remember the positive effect that our words and actions can have. Every person who shows and expresses agape love—the love that is unconditional, that desires the welfare of others, including the many people we do not know, and that has no expectation of return–helps to counteract hatred with the strength of love.
When we do our best to try to follow our spiritual paths, we are also on the side of love. For by following the direction of our inner voice, we add to all that is positive in our world.
All of us are called to be part of the loving force that works against hatred in all its forms. I pray that all of us will embrace that calling.