An approach to getting along

One would think there is plenty of direction in Christianity to teach us how to get along with each other. Bible scripture gives us much to think about.  In the Gospel of Matthew 22:36-40, we learn: “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”  Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” These words of Jesus don’t leave much wiggle room, but we still have a hard time living in to them.

We may even draw on other traditions to further support what Jesus was saying. There are many traditions that are older than recorded history. One principle of such an old Chinese tradition was the principle of Chung Fu, which means Inner Truth. It was introduced into Confucianism at some point. These principles can help nudge us into our already existing Christian principles and commandments.

In Chung Fu, the idea is to be like the wind blowing across the lake. The invisible action of the wind creates to noticeable ripples in the water. Our goal should be to interact with others in a way that is not clouded with prejudice or other predispositions about a person. If you proceed in life relationships this way, you are more invisible to the other person and your behavior toward them is more effective. To have a deep influence on others you must have a good understanding of them.

In love, our partner must trust us deeply.  In order for this to manifest itself in our relationship, we must take the time to thoroughly understand our partner. In business or professional situations, we must be straightforward in our communications. They must be honest and sincere. We must cultivate a deep and compassionate understanding of the people affecting our lives

We must communicate and cooperate effectively with those around us. To do this and be successful we need to take the time to thoroughly understand their natures. Our prejudice, predispositions, or any other negative must be put aside or their receptivity will be lessened and truth will not be reached. Once we thoroughly understand someone, we can work on gaining their trust; however, Chung Fu principles warn that this needs to be for a mutual benefit, not just our benefit. Without honesty and sincerity, progress cannot be achieved.

We must be gentle in our relationships and not jump to conclusions before we have a deep understanding of the other person. There must be a mutual confidence in this relationship in order to build trust and activate beneficial results.

The light generated in a relationship developed in this way will shine on, in and through each of the parties, so that a clear and clean spirit can do its work.  The inner truth that is manifest in this must grow great before its influence can be truly felt.  

In Hebrews 12:14-16, St. Paul reminds us: ^“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled..”

And then in Romans 12:15-28, Paul continues to support what we have been pondering above in saying: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”  

While we have taken a side trip to the Chung Fu principles, we have only proven that what we need in our lives can be found in Holy Scripture. Our side trip reveals that we must do a better job in practicing our own traditions in Christianity. There is much that we pass by; like a ship passing by its port in the night.