Had You Rather Be Right Or Be Kind?

As adults it seems we are not treating each other well these days. Everyone is angry at something or someone.  We are quick to judge and proclaim “I am right and if you don’t agree then you are wrong”. Often that attitude leads to unkind treatment of people and harsh words.

I feel it is so unfortunate that both inside and outside the church, it seems our dislikes and intolerance for people who don’t think or believe the same things we do is increasing and our ability to get along with one another is decreasing in a very dramatic way.

I am reminded of a statement my dad used when talking about how to treat others.  He would say, “Had you rather be right or be kind”?  My dad demonstrated to me it was more important to be kind and I try to practice that in my relationships with people.

In our society today it seems there has developed a sense of “entitlement”.  It is often quoted as 5^th amendment right.  Really? The 5^th amendment does not give anyone the right to be unkind, exclusive or bash people who do not agree with their beliefs or opinions. 

It is true everyone has their right to stand up for their own beliefs. People should support whatever causes they feel best express those beliefs.  However, when did it become acceptable to be so ugly and mean spirited to others who do not agree with those beliefs?

I wonder if that is why people are so turned off to church and attendance has continued to decrease in recent years.  When we read about Jesus’ ministry in the New Testament we find he was accepting of everyone and often reminded the “church leaders” that their rule keeping and finger pointing was not the way God intended for others to be treated.

If I had to summarize what I think we should all do to follow Jesus’ teaching in our world today it would be to love others and be kind.  Perhaps if we spend more time praying for all those we tend to be unkind to we would see a difference in our country.  But more importantly we would see a difference in our own lives.  

My personal goal is to be a person who recognizes everyone is important, everyone needs love, everyone has value and that we do not all have to share the same beliefs to be able to love one another.

So had your rather be right or be kind?  The decision is up to you.

What does loving others really mean?  Maybe we should examine what real love means.  I believe this is a good place to start:

Love never gives up.
   Love cares more for others than for self.
   Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
   Love doesn't strut,
   Doesn't have a swelled head,
   Doesn't force itself on others,
   Isn't always "me first,"
   Doesn't fly off the handle,
   Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
   Doesn't revel when others grovel,
   Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
   Puts up with anything,
   Trusts God always,
   Always looks for the best,
   Never looks back,
   But keeps going to the end.

 (1 Cor. 13)