"I cannot create an enemy when I look for and find God in another." John Paul Lederach
According to Lederach, I create my enemies. First, I separate myself from the Other. In my mind and taking root in my heart, I begin to see in the Other, not what we share, but the differences between us. I attach to those differences a negative judgment. They are a threat to me. They are wrong. As a result, I define myself by distinguishing myself from the Other.
Second, I raise myself up. I am superior. I am not only different from the Other, but I am better. I assume God's position.
Third, after I separate and lower the Other, I dehumanize them. I can literally deprive them of qualities which make them human. I no longer allow myself to see in them the image of God.
It shakes my very being to see human acts by the Other, because it calls into question this very carefully created perspective . . . that is of my creation.
The Psalmist says: "Rescue me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me." (Psalm 59:1) Lord, help me to look first for what I may see of myself in others. Let me love the Other and remove the blindfold that obscures my view of Your face.
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This is a very good reflection on how we create an enemy, and how God breaks through that, to tell us to love them.
ReplyDeleteLove it.
I ran the seeing "Christ in You" exercise the other day at McDonald's, where my first impulse is usually to look down on the "salt of the earth" types there whilst thinking that my family only occasionally splurges on mass-marketed fast food. But then I knew I was being an ass and thought to see the Christ in each person. It really did help bring a larger perspective to the room. The image of God is imprinted in each of these people, as well as God's love and hope for them. Christ have mercy on me.
ReplyDeleteTim, Good to have you along. Its too easy for me to overlook or to pass quick, dismissive judgment on people as I move from task to task during the "routine" of my day. When I have moments or light such as you describe, I am stopped in mid-breath. His power working to change me is a joy to behold and I am humbled by the reminder of His presence.
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