Column: We must see the human being in everybody

“There is one thing in this world that evil can’t stand, and that is forgiveness.”

—Dr. William Orr

About three weeks ago, the world bore witness to the death of an activist for free speech. Whether we agree with him or not, a human life was lost. That alone should be enough to take a step back and look at the words we are using to describe people we disagree with.

Jesus talked about loving one another and treating others the way we like to be treated. Jesus never recommended it. He commands it.

I know people have strong opinions about everything, but when we stop seeing the humanity behind every life, we are in very real danger. I feel bad for his wife and children, also for all the witnesses. I know I could talk about how some are saying awful things, but I'm going to take the high road. I encourage everyone to do likewise.

It can feel good to badmouth people, but we won’t get anywhere. Only the strongest know when not to engage. That is something I am still learning day by day. I'm not saying be a doormat, but people can have a fragile ego. A good idea is to ask ourselves if this is worth it.

People can be driven by their emotions, and I've seen one little disagreement tear a relationship apart. If we disagree with them, it is as if we are killing them. A little much? You bet, but that, unfortunately, is the mentality of too many.

It is only when we can see beyond the words and actions of people that we will start seeing their humanity. In order to see the humanity in everybody, we must leave our ego at the door.

Not every disagreement is about us. We need people who don’t agree with us all the time. That is how we become better. The last thing we need is an echo chamber.

We must see disagreements as just that and not as attacks on our character. I was talking to a friend about a difference of opinion, and I said, “We have to agree to disagree.”

“No,” he fired back at me. I didn’t think ill of him, but I could just tell we were like a dog chasing its tail around and getting nowhere.

We can say we respect them, but we didn’t see eye to eye. That is a polite way to try to turn it in a positive direction. Too many of us have a winning or losing mentality, and we feel we lost if we walk away.

View walking away as being the bigger person, not as losing a competition. The only thing we will lose is our minds if we stay. The people we disagree with want to be loved and accepted, just like us. Never treat anyone as less than. Someone said, “Remember, no one is above you, as you are above no one either.”

Kyle Snyder can be emailed at kylesnyder86@yahoo.com.