Yes. That's the true test of love. Of course that doesn't mean to simply "stand there and take it" (be abused or killed). There is such a thing a common sense. "Turning the other cheek" means don't take revenge (eye for an eye), but forgive. Again, it doesn't mean to just stand there and be beat up or taken advantage of. Revenge settles nothing. Someone wrongs you so you take revenge on them. Then they retaliate by getting revenge for the revenge on you. So now you get revenge back on them ... where does it stop? The "bigger man" says, "I was wrong" or "I forgive you" - ending the circle of vengeance.
if more people loved their neighbor AS they love themselves, there would be a lot less hatred and violence in the world.
I don't believe in revenge/retaliation. I also don't take abuse from anyone. The person who engages in revenge/retaliation is always the one who is most grievously damaged. The target rarely is. So why would you go out of your way to hurt yourself? That is the ultimate in stupid dumb isn't it? What you do is simply avoid/ignore/step away and disengage. It is very easily done. The logical sensible reasonable thing to do. Thank you for your reply Shuhak. I disagree with what you say is the true test of love. I think being abused by someone doesn't mean you love him/her. It means you are afraid to be alone and think you don't deserve anything better so you take it. I don't take it . Not my cuppa tea. I also don't dish it out. Not for me. Different strokes! :)
This post was edited by RosieG at May 23, 2018 1:29 PM MDT
It's easy to love those who love you. But loving someone who doesn't love you (they're trying to harm/abuse/kill you) is EXTREMELY hard. Many people wont. They'd rather hate that person (hate is easier than love). To love someone simply means you want what's best for them. How do you love that jerk who cut you off in traffic this morning? How do you love a terrorist who tried to shoot you at work? Love doesn't condone their actions. Rather you desire that they see how stupid they're being and stop before they get hurt or killed. Otherwise it's "I hope they get what they deserve!" .. and that's the start of vengeance. And, as you stated, revenge isn't logical.
Not loving doesn't mean you hate Shuhak. I hate no one. Never have. Never will. I simply do not put up with abuse from anyone for any reason. I also try very hard not to inflict it. It is illogical to love that which is trying to harm/hurt/destroy you. I cannot pretend something makes sense to me when it doesn't. That makes no sense to me. By that logic you would also love someone who harms your child? What's the diff? As I've already written I'm not wired to love unconditionally. I'm gonna ask another question. I don't believe in vengeance/revenge/retaliation. I have said that many times. If I do not love I simply avoid/ignore/disengage. I don't hate. Waste of time. I don't seek revenge. Waste of time. I don't retaliate. Waste of time. I just walk away. Thank you for your reply. Different strokes.
Love thy neighbor? The bible is a great collection of fairy tales that I no longer want or need as a guide. Try to kill me and I'll up the stakes and f**k you up!
I like "do unto others...." a lot Zack. Treat others are you would like to be treated. Fair and just and balanced. Thank you for your reply and Happy Thursday! :)
Shuhak 