Noticing Intolerance? Seek Charity!
We live in a very intolerant society. We see it in the actions of our politicians, as well as our co-workers. Intolerance rears its ugly head in our communities, and even in our churches. It shows its spiny bristles in the forms of anger, hatred, racism, vengeance and vindictiveness – all violations of the Fifth Commandment! How so? Well each one of these forms of behavior, when applied, diminishes the dignity of others – each behavior kills the spirit of the victim. How do we combat intolerance? We seek Charity. If we would embrace the concept of loving our neighbor, we can eradicate intolerance from our society. So, what does it really mean to love one’s neighbor? Well, if we were to follow Christ’s teaching, it means to love others unconditionally. Regardless of one’s color, gender, nationality, or other difference, we are called to love everyone with respect. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you should love one another (John 13:34).