Love one another

|Kadie W.|

Every time I turn on the news, I view acts of hate, prejudice, and violence; and as the year 2020 has progressed, I have only watched these hateful headlines get worse.

At the present time, it’s easy to be overcome with resentment or hostility towards others; especially from the stories we hear and the things we see. It is our job, as the rising generation, to put aside racist, sexist, xenophobic, bigoted, and unjust thoughts. We are the example to the next generations, to our future children; our actions and mindsets will affect them.

God has created every person in His image. Everyone has a story and their actions have a purpose. If we do not see everyone as human and worthy of love, the world will never change and will forever be filled with animosity. God commands us to love one another, and that is our duty as his children. Below are some ways I think we can all change in small and simple ways.

1. Small Acts of Kindness = Love.

Whether you are helping someone with their groceries, pushing a child on the swings, or giving food to someone hungry, every little thing matters. You don’t have to donate to a charity or create a life-altering invention to change the world. While those are good things, doing a couple of large acts of kindness every once in a while will not impact your society as much as the small acts of service you do every single day. 

2. Change our Thought Process: Love Don’t Judge.

We do not understand the reasoning behind the actions of others. Consequently, judgments happen because of something that we see or hear. This will get us nowhere. In times like these, educating ourselves is of great importance. Realizing the truth for ourselves can often be of more help to those who may be suffering. The grapevine is not a dependable form of receiving information.

3. Empathy & Understanding.

Most of the time, the pain that many of our friends and associates have been through is unfathomable. It can be extremely difficult to relate to as a result. Lending a listening ear and an open heart can be the best things to offer. Sometimes all someone needs is a shoulder to cry on, or someone to hear them out. It is our responsibility to listen and to sympathize. 

In a world full of enmity, of corruption and judgment, it is our obligation to spread kindness, affection, and empathy. Go out into the world today with a desire to love and serve others, to listen, and to understand. The offensive captions we see on television. Immoral actions we see others perform will never change unless we strive to love one another.