Love of God is as necessary for those who fail to understand as it is for those who are waiting to be understood

Many misunderstandings arise in the world because people fail to understand each other. When there is a power asymmetry between the two parties or groups involved, the situation can become even more complicated. The weaker party may accuse the stronger of exploitation, while the stronger may accuse the weaker of insubordination.

As devotees of God, when we are called upon to mediate and resolve such conflicts, we need to manifest the love of God toward both sides. In prolonged conflicts, it is likely that neither side is entirely blameless. Thus, we are called to be loving and kind toward both, as urged in the Bhagavad Gita (12.13-14), which describes a devotee as a friend to all living beings, and in 5.29, which highlights the Lord as the well-wisher of everyone.

During the investigation of a conflict, we may discover that one side is more culpable, while the other is suffering from not being understood. It is often easier to show love and compassion toward the side that has been victimized and is waiting to be understood. However, it is vital to remember that even those who fail to understand—or are unwilling to understand—are also in need of God’s love.

The specific way we express love of God to each side may differ, but recognizing that everyone needs divine grace and wisdom is essential for being truly compassionate instruments of God. The Bhagavad Gita (17.15) advises that disciplined speech involves speaking truthfully, helpfully, and non-agitatingly, or even pleasantly, whenever possible. We can discipline our speech best when we remember that God’s love embraces everyone and excludes no one.

Summary:

  • When mediating complex conflicts, it is easier to offer love and support to the side that has not been understood than to the side failing to understand.
  • Everyone, including those failing to understand, needs the love of God. As representatives of God, we must offer love to both sides, even if the expression of God’s grace varies according to the degree of wrongdoing.
  • Ultimately, it is the Lord’s grace that can help everyone improve from their current position.

Think it over:

  • In a conflict, which side is it easier for you to offer love and support to, and why?
  • Why does the other side, even if in the wrong, also need the love of God?
  • In a conflict you are witnessing, how can you offer love of God to both sides, especially to the side you feel is more in the wrong?

***

12.13 One who is not envious but is a kind friend to all living entities, who does not think himself a proprietor and is free from false ego, who is equal in both happiness and distress, who is tolerant ….[– such a devotee of Mine is very dear to Me.]