The U.S. is a country of laws, but laws cannot force someone to respect or be kind to another individual. Besides, laws aren’t easy to enforce. There are daily incarcerations for many unlawful offenses, including assaults and murders. Some people have no respect for other people’s lives or the laws created to protect them.
How can we increase our humanity?
In this polarized society in America, people continue to say there is more we have in common than that which separates us. We are a country of different religions, races, genders, ages, and other labels and distinctions.
Even with these differences, many believe that we share values that include respect and fairness, which extend across the spectrum of our lives: family, social, religious, personal, moral, and other aspects.
Sharing these values can lead to caring, or at the very least, a dignified coexistence. Live and let live, agree to disagree, and tolerance are a part of coexisting peacefully.
After all, we are all humans who want to live in peace and be treated fairly in the pursuit of a good life and happiness.
Why can’t we get along?
Why is tolerance of someone who thinks, acts, and looks different so difficult?
Our values are reflected in the choices and decisions we make and the actions we take. Working to take care of our families, giving blood during a blood drive, attending church, and even voting during an election reflect our values.
There is a difference between values and opinions, and we all have both. Opinions may change more often than one’s values, which are usually pretty consistent.
Shared values can be the glue that unites many people regardless of their differences.
People’s values often reflect those of their upbringing, culture, and other social influences. Our parents shaped some of our personal values, instilling in us the importance of being responsible, accountable, kind, and ambitious.
My parents taught me to be on time for work, do the best job possible, and to save a part of what I earn. Many people have these or similar personal values.
We do not only have personal values, but we also have human values. Human values are societal norms that help us coexist in society.
Of course, we have family values that emphasize the importance of love, respect, and mutual support.
Moral values concern qualities that are consistent with perceived good behavior or conduct.
Many other values exist in our lives, including religious values, which are a common thread or theme in the Bible.
The Golden Rule encourages all to treat others as they would like to be treated. Matthew 7:12 says, “Therefore all thing whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
The strongest adhesive or glue that can unite us is not the laws of the land or shared personal values, but adherence to God’s directives. While values are personal standards or beliefs derived from many influences and sources, God is the origin of humankind, and his commandments are for them to live by.
The Ten Commandments and teachings in the Bible, when believed and acted upon, can help us to unify and be a great nation of people, ‘One Nation Under God.’
Neither the laws of the land nor shared values can unite us like God’s spirit of love.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12
I hope you are happy and well.