Our differences in perspective and ideas are NOT important at all. Our unity in spirit IS important! If we do not engage each other personally the spirit cannot experience unity. Otherwise, these discussions are just sterile intellectualizations. Our persons must tackle each other in order that the spirits be known. The boxer hugs his opponent with great love of spirit at the end of a brutal fight. They disagreed about who was the better fighter but each was grateful to have had the chance to fight. In the end they learned more about each other and themselves than would otherwise be possible. Compare that to a neighbor with whom you have polite dealings for years across the fence but you never really get to know in spirit so that there may be a real unity. The boxers beat each other brains out, literally, yet there is no anger in the ring and no fear. If anger enters into the ring the angry opponent is sure to lose. If fear enters the ring, the fearful opponent is sure to lose. Each boxer know this and refrains from getting offended by a right upper cut. Should he become defensive, he will surely lose the fight on the ropes. If I have landed a few punches in the head, I hope that I was of service in helping you raise your guard to better yourself. If I have hit below the belt, that was not my intention. We all have bruises from life. The important thing is that we heal and learn from them. But I cannot engage you or anyone else impersonally. I cannot box with a shadow.
Powerful statement!
Ah yes, the old “I beat you because I care” explanation, too many women are already familiar with that one, us men see it thrown around less often. But there’s nothing of Jesus in “landing a few punches in the head” on others, rhetorically or otherwise, much less in then pretending it’s all just a kindly service so they can “learn” from it. By looking at the exemplary example of Jesus’ life and teachings, his kindness and grace, it puts all the alternative displays in full contrast.
