Lessons of Love

Lessons of Love

A ninety-one-year-old woman died after living a long, dignified life.
When she met God, she asked Him about something that had
long bothered her:

“If Man was created in God’s image, and if all men are created
equal, why do people treat each other so badly?”

God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique
lesson to teach us. And it is only through these lessons that we learn
about life, people, relationships, and God. This confused the woman,
so God began to explain:

“When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always as
they seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look beyond the
masks people wear if you want to know their heart. And remove your own
masks to let people know yours.

“When someone steals from you, it teaches you that nothing is forever.
Always appreciate what you have, for you never know when you might
lose it. And never, ever, take your friends and family for granted because
today is the only guarantee you have.

“When someone inflicts an injury upon you, it teaches you that the
human state is a fragile one. Protect and take care of your body as best
you can; it’s the only thing you are sure to have forever.

“When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no two people are alike.
When you encounter people who are different from you, don’t judge them
by how they look or act; instead, base your opinion on the contents of
their hearts.

“When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someone
does not always mean that person will love you back. But don’t turn your
back on love because when you find the right person, the joy that that one
person brings will make up for all the past hurts put together. Times ten.

“When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyone
makes mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can
do is forgive the offender without pretense. “Forgiving those who have
hurt us is the most difficult, the most courageous, and the most noble thing
Man can do.

“When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches you that resisting
temptation is Man’s greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance
against all temptation. By doing so, you will be rewarded with an
enduring sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure
by which you were tempted.

“When someone cheats you, it teaches you that greed is the root of all
evil. Aspire to make your dreams come true, no matter how lofty they
may be. Do not feel guilty about your success, but never let an
obsession with achieving your goals lead you to engage in malevolent
activities.

“When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect.
Accept people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not
ever reject someone for imperfections over which they have no control.”
Upon hearing the Lord’s wisdom, the old woman became concerned
that there were no lessons to be learned from Man’s good deeds. God
replied that Man’s capacity to love is the greatest gift he has. At the root
of all kindness is love, and each act of love also teaches us a lesson.
The woman’s curiosity deepening, God once again began to explain:

“When someone loves us, it teaches us that love, kindness, charity,
honesty, humility, forgiveness, and acceptance can counteract all the
evil in the world.
“For every good deed, there is one less evil deed. Man alone has the
power to control the balance between good and evil, but because the
lessons of love are not taught often enough, the power is too often
abused.

“When you enter someone’s life, whether by plan, chance, or
coincidence, consider what your lesson will be. Will you teach love
or a harsh lesson of reality?

“When you die, will your life have resulted in more loving or hurting?
More comfort or pain? More joy or sadness? Each one of us has
power over the balance of love in the world. Use it wisely.
“Don’t miss an opportunity to nudge the world’s scale in the right
direction.

“Pass these lessons of love on to those you love and to those you
have hurt.
“For each person who receives this, there will be a little less evil in
the world and a little more love.”