RE: What is Love? ... On Measuring Love ... Dimensions of Love #2
I can't honestly say that I Love everyone. However, the type of person that I am I care about people, nonetheless. I can care about homeless, the people who are labelled criminals, the mentally disturbed people, etc. I think this type of love is referred to as "Agape Love" which is in essence the love for your fellow man regardless of their faults. The ability to see things in shades of gray not just black and white. The understanding that even criminals or someone that has done wrong can be redeemed. I am neither judge or jury, so why should I pass judgement on another human? I know people have this sense of "unforgiving principals" but I am not that way. I can understand or simply I can try to demonstrate understanding when it comes to us, to humans who are navigating this life as best to their abilities. Now, not all things are understandable to me and it's hard to keep my mantra in tact when the subject at hand includes senseless hurt unto other human beings. But I can't help but wonder "what happened to those who commit such atrocities are they victims or simply perpetrators? What has happened in their life that caused them to seek an unsavory path? I am often labelled as naive or I am being taken advantage of but I firmly think that there is a road for redemption no matter what, if those of us, those criminals, those sick individuals that revel in hurting others without cause, could seek out the correct path, I.e. living by the golden rule, laid out for us in our being should be offered redemption if they so choose to take it. We are not perfect and we make mistakes. The ones that realize their mistakes and embark on a path of righteousness should be given the opportunity at redemption.
Amazing, detailed comment! I've never heard of "agape love," and now I got to look into it a bit more - very interesting. I really agree with you that it's people who are hurt that are the ones hurting others. Demonizing them is much less interesting or productive than trying to understand why they are behaving how they are, regardless of what action I might take. In my opinion, understanding and taking responsibility when I cause others harm is a big part of one's attitude towards others... Causing pain or harm is an inescapable part of the human condition, and I think those self righteous people who can't forgive others are trying to protect their own image of themselves as someone who would never do that... but restorative justice teaches us that we all cause harm, we are all capable of causing harm, and that someone we see causing harm is not so different than us. Once we realize this, we can appreciate people more in their depth and full humanity rather than say "you did this, so I'm done with you." Although, of course, sometimes you do have to say that if your safety is on the line.