Wherever you find Love it feels like Christmas

Merry Christmas friends. I know I haven't been updating this blog regularly, I've been otherwise writing occupied. But here is a quote from a blog I was reading today that I found poignant: 

"Check this out, and feel free to correct me if I get this wrong…

 According to Christians, Jesus taught a couple of interesting things. First, “love one another.” Second, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” (“Her” being a woman who cheated on her man.)

 According to Buddhists, Buddha taught a couple of thought-provoking things. First, “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.” Second, “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”

 According to Hindus, a couple of fascinating teachings come to mind. First, “Do not get angry or harm any living creature, but be compassionate and gentle; show good will to all.” (Krishna) Second, “Love means giving selflessly, excluding none and including all.” (Rama)

According to Muslims, Muhammad taught a couple interesting things as well. First, “A true Muslim is the one who does not defame or abuse others; but the truly righteous becomes a refuge for humankind, their lives and their properties.” Second, “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

 According to Judaism, their scriptures teach a couple remarkable things. First, “Love your neighbor like yourself.” Second, “Examine the contents, not the bottle.”

 The greatest spiritual leaders in history have all preached love for others as the basis for all happiness, and never did they accompany such mandates with a list of unlovable actions or deeds. They never said, love everybody except..." 

I am not familiar enough with all of those other religions to say whether or not the author is correctly representing their beliefs but he likes to be accurate and he hasn't recanted so I'm acting on the assumption he was correct. That's my disclaimer.

But here's my two cents: This Christmas and this New Year I want to make this idea my mantra: Not to love everybody except... No except. And I know I won't really be able to do it. I'll see injustice and I will be enraged. My pettiness will win and I'll throw uncalled for hatred and anger all over the place. But I'm going to do my best to cut the except out of my life and get beyond my own prejudices and judgments.