This I Believe
My religion is kindness.
I first heard this from the poet Gwendolyn Brooks at a meeting I attended in Chicago some years ago. Later, I read that the Dalai Lama said it. He also said that "the best person to teach kindness is an enemy."
For years on end, while I was not going to church, I would repeat this as a kind of mantra when questioned about my beliefs—My religion is kindness.
It didn’t escape my notice that the lesson I learned via poets and Buddhist leaders had also been taught by Jesus.
“This is my commandment,” he said. “That you love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12)
And, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” (Matthew 5:44)
This I believe. We were put on this earth by our Creator to show as much kindness and love to others as is in our power, friends and enemies alike. Whether you are a Buddhist or a Baptist, if your religion is not kindness, you are doing it wrong. You have missed the whole point.
This I believe.
I first heard this from the poet Gwendolyn Brooks at a meeting I attended in Chicago some years ago. Later, I read that the Dalai Lama said it. He also said that "the best person to teach kindness is an enemy."
For years on end, while I was not going to church, I would repeat this as a kind of mantra when questioned about my beliefs—My religion is kindness.
It didn’t escape my notice that the lesson I learned via poets and Buddhist leaders had also been taught by Jesus.
“This is my commandment,” he said. “That you love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12)
And, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” (Matthew 5:44)
This I believe. We were put on this earth by our Creator to show as much kindness and love to others as is in our power, friends and enemies alike. Whether you are a Buddhist or a Baptist, if your religion is not kindness, you are doing it wrong. You have missed the whole point.
This I believe.
posted by Sharon Gerald | 6:47 AM
2 Comments:
I am amazed when I notice the time of day you are posting these inspirational (a word I hate; sorry to resort to it) messages.
I like this idea. So many who profess to be Christian do not practice kindness. Or maybe they're like me and they try but fall short.
Jeanne
You don't have to be that amazed. I just haven't figured out how to reset the time stamp. It isn't set to Central time. :)
I usually post early in the morning, but it isn't nearly as early as Blogger claims.
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