Statue of John Wesley at Wesley’s Chapel City Road, London. (January 2006) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
“Every wise man, therefore, will allow others the same liberty of thinking that he desires they should allow him, and will no more insist on their embracing his opinions than he would have them to insist on his embracing theirs. He is patient with those who differ from him, and only asks him with whom he desires to unite in love that single question: “Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart?”
—-John Wesley from “Catholic Spirit”
The words of John Wesley ring loud and clear in this confusing and divisive time. Wise men allow others to differ from them without turning on them. The concept that we must all walk in step with one another or become enemies is destroying our churches and nation. Our political or theological stands are not the sum total of our being.. The heart reveals our true nature. We are people of good heart or bad heart. If we wish ill will and destruction with any who disagree with our opinions, then I would say that we are not of good heart. However, people of good heart and wisdom can embrace others even if they are not in full agreement with them.
People of good heart:
- Look for areas of agreement
- Attempt to find the greater good
- Work for the greater good
- Seek truth
- Understand there is more than one right answer
- Give up power
To all I ask: “Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart?”
Related articles
- John Wesley on ‘Love of the Other’ (tallmonasticguy.typepad.com)
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