Do not give in to hatred

These days there is much to be sad and angry about.  A strongman invading another country for no good reason, causing extensive damage, untold misery, loss of many lives, despair all around. Sycophants laughing at the victims of war and blaming those who come to the victim’s aid, but praise the invader strongman. Racism against black Africans  and dark-coloured Indians in the middle of the war. On-going wars in Ethiopia, Yemen and elsewhere.  People in power making policies without due regard to the suffering and anguish inflicted on the people right in our city.  On-going injustices here and elsewhere.  

While it is hard not to react to injustice, we have to try to not give in to hatred.  While some of the perpetrators certainly seem sinisterly motivated, some may only be misguided, lacking in discernment or judgement, or misplacing priorities.  In any case, hatred does not solve the problem.  It will only worsen the problem, create new problems.  Hatred perhaps hurts the hater the most.  

That does not mean that we do not care about what is happening.  That does not mean we turn away and pretend that these injustices have not happened.  It does not mean we cite some bland platitudes and absolve ourselves.  It does not mean we close the door and live in our own little world only.  

It may mean that we make our concerns, reasoning and judgements clear, as far as practicable.  It may mean that we stay calm but make our case firmly and reasonably.  It may mean that we do what we can to help.  It may mean that we take some risks - if only risks in the form of personal criticisms, loss of friendship, …, perhaps more than that, depending on the strength of our courage.  Do the right thing even when others don’t.  God will be the ultimate judge.