When we try to separate
ourselves from society or from our loved ones because we are having a bad day
and don’t want to talk to anyone, our childlike behavior can still affect
others. I’m sure you’ve heard the
saying, “No man is an island.” These
words were written by the English writer John Donne in 1624 and have echoed
through the ages. The phrase means we
are all connected and need one another to live.
Without others in our lives, we would be most miserable. We are not alone on a rock somewhere in the
ocean.
Our attitude, disposition, and
the way we carry ourselves affect the people around us. These effects can be negative or positive,
depending on the circumstances, the hostility we project, or the kindness we
show. Each emotion is received
differently—either with a frown or a smile.
Which would you rather encounter?
The answer is simple: a smile.
So why do we forget this when
we allow our attitudes to run amok? Do
we not want to be treated with kindness rather than the dark side of someone
else’s personality?
The Golden Rule says it well:
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This principle closely reflects Scripture. One of the most well-known passages is
Matthew 22:37-39, where Jesus states that loving your neighbor as yourself is
the second greatest commandment, right after loving God.
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind.’ This is the first and greatest
commandment. And the second is like it:
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
To be honest, I am not above
wrong attitudes or emotions. Even as a
Christian who loves the Lord, I still battle the old nature I once had before
coming to Christ—a tendency toward anger and pettiness. It is easy to say that in difficult moments
we should focus on the good things of God.
But in reality, it is not easy to put on the garment of praise when life
is hard.
I have found that when I
finally surrender and ask God to forgive me, things begin to settle. My spirit becomes pliable again to the Holy
Spirit, and God speaks to my heart. I sense
Him saying, “I understand your frustration and what you are going through.” Then comes the reassurance: “I am with you
always.” And finally, a gentle nudge
forward: “You’ve sulked long enough—let’s continue your walk with Me.” I take a deep breath and move forward with
Jesus at my side.
These words remind us that our
lives are not lived in isolation. What
we say, how we respond, and how we treat others in difficult moments reach
beyond ourselves. We may feel justified
in withdrawing, but our behavior does not exist in a vacuum. We remain connected to those around us,
whether we realize it or not.
We all need moments of
solitude, but even then, we must remember that others have feelings too. We can take time for ourselves without making
others suffer for our mood.
We are not islands unto
ourselves. We belong to families,
friendships, communities, and to one another.
A simple smile, a kind word, or a little patience can lift the atmosphere
around us. Likewise, a harsh word, an
angry expression, or cold indifference can leave a lasting mark.
The choice is ours: will we add to someone’s burden, or bring a little light into their day? Loving our neighbor as ourselves begins with remembering that our actions matter—and that we are never as alone as we sometimes feel.
Written by,
Papa Boyd
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