Possessing Christian Joy, Always?
Nice or Kind?
I really have no problem disassociating and even unfriending myself with others who have different political viewpoints on certain topics than I do. I actually think not do so is ignorant and dangerous. I know that many will label me as intolerant and arrogant, and yes, probably this doesn't seem very nice either, but I would argue it is the kind and virtuous thing to do.
I think there are differences between being kind and being nice. I've pasted the definitions of both these words below, and it's very important to understand the difference. Nice is not found anywhere in Scripture, it is not a biblical term, but being kind is. The English word "nice" comes from the Latin word "nescius" --which means "ignorant, knowing nothing.
The definition of kind, according to Dictionary.com is: of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, indulgent, considerate, or helpful; humane; mild, clement, and gentle
The definition of nice, according to Dictionary.com is: pleasing, agreeable, delightful, amiably pleasant
The difference is subtle, but it is there and that slight variance makes all the difference. The act of being kind is rooted in goodness, the act of being nice, is more something done to please the senses. It is self indulgent, rather than indulgent. Kindness is rooted in benevolence and is well meaning. So, distancing myself from others who have opposing political and religious beliefs and value systems might not be nice, but it is an of kindness. Tolerating others who neglect and dismiss Truth, is not well meaning, it is nice, because it's goal is to elicit pleasing and agreeable situations, but if we do this we deny Truth, and that is going to have some very grave repercussions. Associating and tolerating evil, which is what the opposite of Truth is, subjects us to that evil, it opens us up to that malevolence, which is ill will.
Tolerance can be interpreted as acceptance; unless we are very clear and vocal about our disagreement, but submerging ourselves in the tolerance of things that are unholy and untruthful, often is placing us in the occasion of sinfulness. Being clear and vocal about our differences is also going to create hostility which is okay, but will not lend itself to pleasing associations, and so to counter that, eventually we will become silent. I would suggest that intolerance sends a more powerful and effective message to those we want to express Truth to. It is not always a pleasing message, but it is well meaning, because in the end Truth is all that matters, and getting to Heaven is all that matters, and any acts of the will in contrast are not benevolent actions, but malevolent ones. Those are actions that eventually erode and destroy lives - both mortal and immortal, and souls.
So, I react with aversion to all the many cute little quotes and memes on social media about the ability to remain friends with those who disagree. Of course there are small matters one may agree to disagree with, but when it comes down to how we live, who and what we honor and worship, and what we believe; well, that is a whole different story. There is only one Truth, and to tolerate falsehood, is akin to apostasy and defies what is right and good, it defies Christ. If our journey to Christ and to Heaven really is our most important quest, then aligning ourselves with like minded brethren searching and striving for the same is essential, and since there is really only so much time in our days, then prioritizing what people best feed our spirits and souls to this end becomes paramount, and willfully subjecting ourselves and tolerating things contrary to Truth, is not going to get us to Heaven, and it won't get anyone else there either.
So, pick your friends carefully, and don't get caught up in actions that are being falsely portrayed as virtuous. Know the difference, the very slight differences, because the devil really is in the details, and the road to Hell really is paved with what seems like good intentions but are in reality are probably just nice ones.
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About the Author
I am a wife and mother of two grown sons. Although I am Cradle Catholic, I experienced a profound reversion to the True faith several years ago that motivated and inspired me to dive more deeply into an understanding of the Church and Her teachings, and why She has these teachings and where they come from. Surprisingly, for me, the more I read and discovered, the deeper my love of the Catholic Church and her teachings became. This certainly is a journey that doesn't end, and so as I uncover more amazing facts about our Faith and Church, I just can't help but want to share what I'm learning. So, I began writing for Catholic 365.
I have recently served for a year and a half as the Executive Director of a very active and busy Crisis Pregnancy Center on the West side of Cincinnati. God is so good and does answers prayers, even though He knows at times, we have no idea what we are asking for. The pro life cause is paramount to our times, I am so honored and humbled to have had the experience and opportunity to serve women and the unborn in this capacity! I am also very grateful to God, for allowing me to see for myself, that perhaps such a calling was not His long term plan for me. We go where God seeminly calls us, and for me, that was a return to corporate America. I currently work as a recruiter and sales onboarding specialist where I am helping a Franchising company open and support small businesses that serve seniors and the elderly, giving them opportunities to age in place and live thier final chapters with dignity. It is the other end of the pro life spectrum and such an amazing endeavor!
I love being able to share this great faith of ours and use this platform as a way to express my deep love and devotion to our Lord. We need each other, and this effort has truly become a wonderful way to connect with all of you- my brothers and sisters in Christ!
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