Do you love humanity?

[humble soul]

Here I am referring to humanity in its abstract form. The uncountable noun.

Humanity definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

Humanity definition: All the people in the world can be referred to as humanity . | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples

www.collinsdictionary.com

 

[humble soul]

Because I think it's harder for us to love something unspecific.
I love my wife and my dog. That's easy. But do I love humanity as a whole? Maybe not. And maybe I should . And maybe this is the kind of love expected of us as Christians.

 

[humble soul]

I think of the human service jobs. like teaching and nursing. You shouldn't be in those jobs unless you have a general love and acceptance of humanity as a whole....perhaps.

 

[humble soul]

I am reminded of some very competent compassionate people I have worked with. I was a teacher for several years but also worked in mental health as a support worker. I think really competent human services workers can combine assertiveness with kindness. And they don't get caught up in the stories of their clients. Otherwise they accumulate too much baggage. You don't have to own other peoples' problems. You just help others help themselves. Because they are the ones who have to cope. Otherwise co dependant relationships can develop. Anyway I have seen very compassionate people who set clear boundaries and therefore don't suffer compassion fatigue. Then they have spare energy to help more of humanity.

 

[Link1983]

I think that people in them selves and the love of this world really is a selfish kind of love, and maybe it must be that way to protect ourselves.

The way to understand what is true love is to look at and to learn from what God has done and is doing.
So I try to stop trying myself and start learning the God kind of love!

And this is put in the heart of every Christian so that we can walk in it.

 

[Tessa]

I agree with all you say here. If you end up owning anothet persons problem you are both in trouble. In that case you won't be able to help them any more.
There is also a danger of thinking that if you have been through a similar trauma, you know exactly how they feel. It doesn't work like that. Two different people do not experience the same trauma exactly the same.
One persons grief can be much deeper than anothers. It affects people on various ways. What helps me may prove useless to someone else.
Listening properly is extremely important. Asking instead of telling can help a person to find comfort and eventually find their way to recovery.

 

[humble soul]

I think that people in them selves and the love of this world really is a selfish kind of love, and maybe it must be that way to protect ourselves.

The way to understand what is true love is to look at and to learn from what God has done and is doing.
So I try to stop trying myself and start learning the God kind of love!

And this is put in the heart of every Christian so that we can walk in it.

Do you mean that i can only find out what Gods true love is, from the Bible?

 

[humble soul]

I agree with all you say here. If you end up owning anothet persons problem you are both in trouble. In that case you won't be able to help them any more.
There is also a danger of thinking that if you have been through a similar trauma, you know exactly how they feel. It doesn't work like that. Two different people do not experience the same trauma exactly the same.
One persons grief can be much deeper than anothers. It affects people on various ways. What helps me may prove useless to someone else.
Listening properly is extremely important. Asking instead of telling can help a person to find comfort and eventually find their way to recovery.

now there is a professional counsellor's answer, if I ever saw one. thanks tessa

 

[Link1983]

Do you mean that i can only find out what Gods true love is, from the Bible?

Well the Bible is the best way. But I must not forget to mention that The Holy Spirit has been shed abroad in our hearts.

So I do believe that we already have true love in us. Working in us and with us.
This in combination with the Bible is the only way in my opinion..

 

[Link1983]

1 John 4:16 says in fact that God is Love

 

[humble soul]

There is also a danger of thinking that if you have been through a similar trauma, you know exactly how they feel. It doesn't work like that. Two different people do not experience the same trauma exactly the same.

Ive made this mistake myself. Thinking that I knew how somebody felt. In fact it might be an ongoing problem I have with my friend I mentioned in another thread. We both have a version of social anxiety, making us very self conscious when performing a task in front of others. But I suspect the trauma he experienced in childhood was much more severe than mine and a stronger variant too. He also has other personality traits which might hinder recovery. Such as black and white thinking. not being able to see grey. At first i thought both of us were extremely similar but its not the case.

 

[Link1983]

I like this topic. Because I believe that

Ive made this mistake myself. Thinking that I knew how somebody felt. In fact it might be an ongoing problem I have with my friend I mentioned in another thread. We both have a version of social anxiety, making us very self conscious when performing a task in front of others. But I suspect the trauma he experienced in childhood was much more severe than mine and a stronger variant too. He also has other personality traits which might hinder recovery. Such as black and white thinking. not being able to see grey. At first i thought both of us were extremely similar but its not the case.

Yeah me too. And just about everyone I think probably has done it..
But beeing humble is a very good thing and you seem to be just that.

 

[Tessa]

Ive made this mistake myself. Thinking that I knew how somebody felt. In fact it might be an ongoing problem I have with my friend I mentioned in another thread. We both have a version of social anxiety, making us very self conscious when performing a task in front of others. But I suspect the trauma he experienced in childhood was much more severe than mine and a stronger variant too. He also has other personality traits which might hinder recovery. Such as black and white thinking. not being able to see grey. At first i thought both of us were extremely similar but its not the case.

True but your friendship helps. You never know what he thinks about after nodding. He has to find a way to put it into action. We have to keep on praying for him
It would be wonderful if he turned to God, you have already planted the seed.

 

[Link1983]

True but your friendship helps. You never know what he thinks about after nodding. He has to find a way to put it into action. We have to keep on praying for him
It would be wonderful if he turned to God, you have already planted the seed.

This is well spoken and very important point you make here!
To pray! ?
Never to be underestimated. Learn to pray right (there is actually several different kinds of prayer)
And most of all, more than anything, learn to walk in love!
How to learn? Simply watch God in action throughout the Bible.

I believe that the more we understand God's love for us, the more we will be able to Walk in love ourselves...

Not how much we love Him or the human race. But how much He has loved us.

 

[humble soul]

True but your friendship helps. You never know what he thinks about after nodding. He has to find a way to put it into action. We have to keep on praying for him
It would be wonderful if he turned to God, you have already planted the seed.

You've got such a selfless style of communication. I think your username should be "Humblest Soul". ?

 

[Link1983]

You've got such a selfless style of communication. I think your username should be "Humblest Soul". ?

I concur! ?

 

[Link1983]

I am reminded of some very competent compassionate people I have worked with. I was a teacher for several years but also worked in mental health as a support worker. I think really competent human services workers can combine assertiveness with kindness. And they don't get caught up in the stories of their clients. Otherwise they accumulate too much baggage. You don't have to own other peoples' problems. You just help others help themselves. Because they are the ones who have to cope. Otherwise co dependant relationships can develop. Anyway I have seen very compassionate people who set clear boundaries and therefore don't suffer compassion fatigue. Then they have spare energy to help more of humanity.

You make a very good point here brother..
We need to be wise as well!

 

[Tessa]

This is well spoken and very important point you make here!
To pray! ?
Never to be underestimated. Learn to pray right (there is actually several different kinds of prayer)
And most of all, more than anything, learn to walk in love!
How to learn? Simply watch God in action throughout the Bible.

I believe that the more we understand God's love for us, the more we will be able to Walk in love ourselves...

Not how much we love Him or the human race. But how much He has loved us.

Beautiful post. That warmed my heart and made me think of the loveJesus showed He had for both Thr Father and us.

 

[humble soul]

Human beings can show us a glimpse of God's love, now and then. But we need to avoid becoming addicted to people, worshipping them instead of God.

 

[Corn Pop]

Human beings can show us a glimpse of God's love, now and then. But we need to avoid becoming addicted to people, worshipping them instead of God.

Lots of human worship in this world.