Compassionate Love: Displaying compassion for those who struggle with mental illness  (c)2014 Nancy Virden

Hatred destroys. “I don’t hate anyone, I just don’t like that kind around my neighborhood.”

Hatred judges. “They are not open to my way of thinking, so they are terrible.”

Hatred sees groups, not persons. “The you-know-whats are at it again.”

Hatred denies. “I’m not phobic or bigoted. I just don’t like them.”

Hatred reads all this and responds, “It’s not about me.”

Love builds. “Welcome, and may I help you to move in?”

Love accepts. “We disagree, so what? You still coming over on movie night?”

Love sees the person. “I want to get to know you before I decide who you are.”

Love needs no defense. “I know I do not hate you because I value you enough to be involved in your life.”

Love reads all this and responds, “I want to make sure I’m not hating anyone.”

*****

NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences with and observations of mental illness. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental health care.