Wolfgang P. Schmidt, August 2022
Some say that the new 5G data transfer is damaging our health, others say it is better for our health than other methods of transmission. One is for the ruling party, the other is for the opposition. Someone is strongly convinced of something and someone else feels that it is taking away their freedom of choice. Both sides are convinced that they are right. What will we do with these contradictions, how to respond to them? How can we avoid arguments and rather reconcile? How can we bring peace and tolerance to such differences?
I have noticed that in countries with a greater degree of democracy and freedom of expression of opinion, the division between citizens can lead to aggression, even among members of one’s own family or in a circle of close friends.
I recently saw Andy Stanley’s great interview with Sara Anderson, author of the book ‘The Space Between Us’ (The Space Between Us). The author, whose family is involved in higher politics, describes how people fight each other even in their own party. He suggests that even if there is a split in our own family, we should try to meet the other side and try to find a common language.
That each of us can express our own opinion is, in my opinion, a privilege. But we must not forget to communicate with love, show mutual respect and act kindly, with tact and tolerance.
the so-called The ‘Golden Rule’ is completely universal, useful and similar in many religions. Jesus expressed it in this way: ‘Whatever you would like others to do to you, you do to them.’ (Matthew 7:12).
So how can we achieve unity and tolerance in diversity? It’s not about all having the same opinion, it’s about trying to achieve unity despite different opinions. I believe it is a matter of the heart, starting with ours. What is in our heart also comes from our mouths. This also applies to what we write and publish on the Internet.
When I receive an e-mail that gives me a strong opposite opinion on the given topic, I try to learn not to respond immediately, I prefer to wait a day or more. Meanwhile, I ask myself how to deal with him. Should I even answer? If so, what should I say, what would bring more peace and unity despite different opinions?
Listening to the other side, accepting constructive criticism, for what I say, do or write, can be beneficial. I’d rather listen to it before I release something, because once I publish something, I can’t change it and I might have to apologize for it later. It is more beneficial for me to learn about possible mistakes, or about what is not clearly expressed enough, before it is published. Our opponent can actually become our helper.
Since Christmas is just around the corner, I remembered the true story that took place in the trenches of the First World War on Christmas Eve 1914. The German, French and English soldiers, instead of fighting, laid down their arms and Christmas together for a while They celebrated peace. The beautiful film ‘Happy and Merry’ (‘Joyeux Noel’) captures this series of extensive unofficial truces on the Western Front. Unfortunately, politicians and senior military officers had no understanding for such behavior, they sent planes and resumed the fighting again.
Why not follow the example of these peaceful soldiers? – Let’s lay down our arms with words and actions and unite around a common goal – cooperation and helping each other regardless of what challenge it is for us. Can we look into the heart of a person who has such strong opinions? What is the reason why the other party is so angry? Is there fear in it? Did anyone close to him suffer or even die because of what we are arguing about? There is always a person behind the opinion, someone who suffers and goes through difficulties just like us. Life can be difficult, so why make it even more difficult for our neighbors!
We don’t have to be turned on by the media or anything else, we can choose a kind path. God loves every person, even the one who can be a great challenge for us personally. – Let’s not forget the ‘golden rule’. – How we would like others to treat us, so let’s treat them!
