You can’t change how people treat you or what they say about you, or in many cases even their perception of events and circumstances people encounter together, but we can change how we react to them.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
The difficulty is that what one person sees as spiritual darkness and wickedness another may see as light and truthfulness. Such are the paradoxes and dualities of the mind. Until we can get beyond mind we can be in an endless battle of ideas of right and wrong and good verses evil. People make judgements with the mind but the mind is hemmed in by its own preconceived biases. It may seem simple that there is a right and wrong. However it has been proven time and time again that what people at one time ‘think’ is right turns out to have another side that is wrong. I can give endless examples of this. But for now suffice it to say … My question is; how do we get beyond the conflict presented by values and ideas the mind creates.
Thank you Steve, I agree. Choosing to change how we react is a wonderful reality. I hope Inayat Khan was able to shine a light on your last question. I think recognizing God as Living and in all his creation might be what helps us overcome those conflicts. That doesn't mean we are putting ourselves in harms way, or acting gracefully all the time. I think it means that the Love we believe in exist inside others, Guiding all of us. Although it isn't easy to recognize- when the opportunity presents it self we may try to put our differences aside and respond in accordance with our deepest belief. I think you and I try this despite our differences.
My friend who is a member here was able to see something deeper from that womans actions, and then it was over in an instant. I suppose my disbelief it what keeps it alive. Well... I have a chance to act accordingly tomorrow, with that man who approached me aggressively in the OP. We were both butting-heads. After prayer and meditation, I see a new way to handle the situation. May God heal our transgressions, and grant us strength to respond Kindly to one another.
