When someone hurts us, it may come in verbal assaults, bullying or intimidation.  Pain may also come in physical or emotional ways that are abuse.  The pain is intensified if the hurt comes from someone we love or esteem.  It may be intentional or unintentional.  What can we do to minimize the pain or hurt?  Which does it help us more, to respond with demonstrable love or with anger?

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If we say kind words, instead of returning anger, it gives us control over our emotions and peace.  If we return by attacking the attacker, it may escalate the pain we feel if they do not change their words or actions.  It, therefore, gives them control over our pain, and that is unnecessary.

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If we respond to bad behavior by ignoring it or by returning with anger, we are enabling their bad behavior.  Therefore, the best course is kindness and firmness.  The firmness may need to be bold.  It does not allow abuse to continue.  It is a fine line and an active course that protects us, lessens the pain and gives our attacker the opportunity to change.

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Even if the attacker never changes, we are protected and shielded from ongoing pain.  Forgiveness is not easy to do, but it is required for our own peace and ability to move onward and upwards.  Each person is a child of God, yet they have their God given agency to choose good or evil.  America is free, but it is not perfect.  Nothing made by man is perfect.

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Some things made by man are purposely evil.  Pornography, Marxism, communism and socialism are made to destroy choice and our souls.  They foster enslavement, bullying and abuse.

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Because the U. S. Constitution was inspired by God, the founding fathers got it as close to right as possible.  It is up to us to preserve it and carry it forward with respect and love, embodied by the 27 Amendments to the Constitution.

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Thomas Jefferson said, “If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed.”  He was speaking of the truths in the founding documents as of July 4, 1776, including recognizing that all men are created equal.  No wonder Jesus Christ reminded us that the two great commandments in Mosaic Law are to love God and our fellow men.

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In the event we feel pain because of our own misunderstanding, we are in a better position to understand and learn if we respond with kind words and actions.  If the pain is not our fault, we can still respond with kindness.  We can do this!  Many people in all countries are praying for us and for this nation to stay a shining light on a hill, a beacon for freedom, justice and liberty for all.