Do you love your neighbor?

By Valdir Aguilera

We have all heard that we must love our neighbor as ourselves. How many take this precept seriously? Among those who take it seriously, how many really understand what it means? And if they do, do they know how to proceed? We believe that many are in the position of the last question. This article is dedicated to them. Are you included in this group?

Before continuing with the topic, it is advisable to know what love is. This reminds us of Cupid, one of the gods of Greco-Roman mythology. Flying around the world, armed with a bow and quiver provided with abundant arrows, he searches for targets for his accurate arrows. Love is the impact caused by his arrows. One day Cupid ended up hitting himself. But that's another story. He's also known as Eros. The irresistible feeling, awakened in the one the Cupid arrow struck was the love between man and woman, the love-passion. That's not the love we're interested in.

I get it, you might say, it's the maternal love that's going to be covered. Not either, although it is an important matter. Let's dwell on brotherly love. Now I understand, you will correct yourself, it's about love between brothers. That's right, but not only among siblings who have the same parents, but among all our brothers and sisters in essence. Brothers in essence? What does that mean? Let's explain, based on the Christian rationalist teachings.

Every spirit is an individualized particle emanating from the Great Focus. Therefore, in figurative language, the Great Focus is the father of us all. We are all, therefore, fundamentally brothers, brothers in essence. Consequently, brotherhood should be a universal feeling, but it is not what we see. Instead of fraternity, what is most commonly seen is hatred; instead of sympathy, one sees contempt; and indifference instead of compassion. 

Take a test by examining your own feelings. Do you feel love for your neighbor? If the answer is 'not always,' it is a sign that you are lacking something, spiritually speaking; there is a duty that is not being fulfilled.

It is not easy to love your neighbor without distinction, you will say. We fully agree. So what should I do? You will ask next. There are several paths we can take, we will answer and suggest some.

If this feeling for our neighbor is not spontaneously present to us, we can cultivate it by making use of our free will and reason. First of all, it is necessary to convince ourselves that loving our neighbour is a duty, a moral obligation. Once this obligation is admitted, we will be ready to continue. Are you ready? Yes? Then let's go.

The suggestions we will make represent spiritual practices. They are not in order of importance, or any other. They are simply a (far from complete) list of precepts that we can, and should, observe routinely.

- Do not speak ill of anyone. It's very easy to point out and comment on the faults and failings of others, especially when they are not there to defend themselves.

- Have patience in the most diverse situations, such as those in which someone's behavior irritates us. Sometimes the irritation is momentary. Anyway, it causes a distancing, when the ideal situation would be an approximation. 

- Forgive with the awareness that nobody is perfect. We are all, without exception, here working to eliminate our imperfections. 

- To help others in difficulties. Without humiliating, let alone expecting compensation, otherwise the help would be an investment in disguise.

Leading our lives according to these precepts will help us to recognize and feel that we are all fellow travelers. It will also help us to lead our lives by judging less and loving more. After all, and you already know it very well, we are here to improve ourselves and enrich our moral standing.