The empathic journey (Implementing Charitable Love)
AS I SEE IT
By Rev. Jim Innes
HERE IS a plausible scenario:
Pro-Palestinian protesters meet up with pro-Israeli protesters, all in arms due to the war in the Middle East. They agree to meet in a neutral zone.
A nervous pro-Israeli protester vehemently takes the podium first: “We are advocates for the recognition of Israel's right to exist in peace. We want support against terrorist attacks. We need help to support people and communities affected by the crisis. We need anti-Semitism to stop.”
The room was silent. The appeal makes sense.
The next speaker, a pro-Palestinian protester, in an equally vehement plea, emphasized the importance of addressing her people’s basic needs, including access to clean water, healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and economic stability. She concluded by addressing what she called the “ongoing genocide.”
The room was again silenced. The appeal makes sense.
All of a sudden, a small grumble turned into a heated argument and then escalated into a full-blown conflict. Former neighbours, now on different sides of the room, couldn’t contain their grief.
Police intervened. The room broke up. All went home empty and sore.
In this picture, despite their differing political views, Israelis and Palestinians want to feel safe and acknowledged as human beings. Yet, despite that common ground, nothing but violence has wracked their homes for years. And no amount of outside interference has done much to settle the deep-rooted malice that festers.
I’m not sure if any intervention will ever stop the outpouring of generational conflict. I turn to Hope but recognize that things just simply exist, whether we like them or not. So, with an apology for adding to the complexity, I want to offer the concept of ‘charitable love’ or ‘selfless love’. It's an energy that focuses on serving others and, when engaged, draws upon empathy.
I use the word “energy” because it implies that charitable love is a force that can be harnessed and directed. Charitable love is not just a feeling or emotion but a decision we make to actively care for the needs of another for the sake of a higher cause, sometimes at the expense of our own needs.
The concept of Charitable Loving is recognized and taught at the core of every major religious tradition in the world. It may be familiar to us as the Great Commandment, "Love your neighbour as yourself," which is second only to "Love God with all your heart.” Universally, this is known as the ‘Golden Rule’.
We are all familiar with the power of Charitable Love: when you're feeling down and seeking clarity, help someone else. When you're confused or upset and looking for stability, do something kind for someone. However, it's important to acknowledge that practicing this type of charity can be challenging. And, I believe is where the rubber hits the road when it comes to deeply rooted conflicts.
As I see it, Charitable Love, as a concept, challenges us to battle the dark corners of our own souls. And we can do it, maybe not quickly or even all at once (it may take years). But the journey is about defining ourselves as empathic on a mutual journey with our neighbour.
Rev. Jim Innes is the rector of St. John's, Grand Bend with St. Anne's, Port Franks.