Why choose hate when you can choose love?

Why is it so hard for people to live with joy and love instead of misery and hate?

This question has plagued me over the last decade of division in our country. Love and hate are a choice we all make. Call me an idealist, but I believe our path to healing begins with choosing love and joy over hate and misery. The moment we encounter someone or something that makes us uncertain or uncomfortable, we make our choice. We can either choose curiosity and wonder, or we can choose anger and fear.

Hate is controlling and addicting. We have so little control over the world around us, and it can feel good to express anger toward others, but this is a hollow and miserable form of control: fearful and lonely. Choosing hate is cowardice.

Love is rewarding, healing, and spiritual. Philosophers and artists throughout history exalted love. It is a central tenet of nearly all world religions. Love fills us with joy and gives us hope for the future. It strengthens the bonds we share with one another. Love isn’t always obvious or easy, but it is essential. Choosing love is courage.

We all face this choice every day.

Choosing love can be challenging. We all know how hard it is to love people we see as enemies but loving the humanity of others is crucial, especially when it’s difficult. What is your path to choosing love? Are you courageous enough to follow it?

Robert Taylor

Cedar Rapids