Article August 10, 2015 Issue

The choice to love

Evan Mehlenbacher

Years ago, I received an angry email from an acquaintance who was furious with me for some actions I had taken. He assaulted my character, slandered my record, attacked my religion, and threatened to exact ugly revenge if I didn’t retract my decision and obey his demands.

He had a reputation for treating other people this way, but I had never faced this myself. I considered his points and saw no reason to change my course of action. But I was crestfallen and taken aback by this viciousness and malice. In praying for a healing response, I knew I had a choice to make. I could either fear this individual and dread his threats, or choose to love him. After hours of wrestling with pride, ego, and fear, I chose love.

I found peace in knowing the spiritual truth about the two of us. I understood in my prayers that there was no underpinning for evil intent in this man’s thought. He was a child of God, created to reflect divine Mind and Love, just as I was. I felt sure that recognizing this commonality in my prayers would naturally help correct misunderstanding, dissolve grievances, reinstate peace, and lead us to see the good in one another. I was aware that evil seems to make a big show at times and issue ominous threats, but its drama is destined to end as truth surfaces and divine Love asserts its influence and hold over thought.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Image and Inspiration

We should strive to reach the Horeb height