Our title today is an 1839 quotation from 19th-centruy English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton.
As you’ve probably heard, the legendary writer Salman Rushdie was brutally attacked recently as he was giving a speech.
This dreadful event happened at the famous Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York. That happens to be a short distance from my old hometown of Westfield in rural western New York State.
Spirit
As our friend Seth says, “There is never any justification for violence. There is no justification for hatred. There is no justification for murder.”
Those sound like extreme words. Is there never any good reason for violence, hatred, or murder?
We agree with Seth.
Now, we can hear the objections. What about self-defense? What about a “just” war? And so on.
The long saga of human violence stretches back to the beginning of time. Of course, as you all know, one small act—whether of hatred or of love—perpetuates itself.
Hate begets hate. Love begets love.
Maybe you, one single human, standing alone, cannot put an end to all violence and hatred. But you can move the world in that direction with a single, small act of love.
Every kind thought you think, or word you utter, goes far to create peace on earth—farther than you’ve ever dreamt.
So instead of despairing of your seeming helplessness, remember the power of your love.
One thought, word, or act of love can literally change your world—certainly the world immediately around you. But that will create ripples of love that will literally transform your old world of hatred and violence into a new world of love and peace.
That is how powerful you, standing alone, are. For remember, you are God. God is love. Love works miracles.
Just as the pen is mightier than the sword, love is mightier than hate.
Copyright © 2022 by John Cali and Berna Copray
Edited by Berna Copray
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In this video, Esther Hicks and Abraham discuss how someone becomes a murderer. We know some will find the discussion upsetting, but listen with an open mind.
Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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SCHALK
For me self self defence and defence of those that cannot defend themselves using violence is intuitively and morally justified. The view in the article that using violence for self defence is not justified lacks teaching to support it. It is also inconsitent with several channeled teachings, for example: ” when you’re attacked with life-threatening force, it’s appropriate to respond with violence if necessary. In addition, it’s acceptable to meet violence with violence when protecting your children or family”. Maybe Spirit can clarify what was meant?
John Cali
Regarding your reference to Spirit’s words: The view in the article that using violence for self defence is not justified lacks teaching to support it.
Spirit did NOT say using force in self-defense is not justified.