The recent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump this past weekend was a horrific event that has sparked significant reflection on the state of our society. On stage, Trump was attempting to motivate voters, and if it hadn't been for a sudden turn of his head at just the right moment, he might not be here today. This incident begs a crucial question: Why have we reached a point where agreeing to disagree seems so far from reality?

In today's world, the approach to disagreement often involves crushing those who hold opposing views. There's a stark lack of civility, love, listening, empathy, and respect. It seems there is little motivation to respect those with differing opinions. The rhetoric used in disagreements has become harsh and unforgiving, aiming to vilify, defame, and disparage those who disagree.

This trend is not confined to politics; it has permeated all areas of life, including sports. Watching ESPN, one can see that the once fun and playful rivalries have escalated into serious and often hostile exchanges. The heightened rhetoric around sports, teams, and athletes mirrors the broader societal shift toward more severe and damaging disagreements.

As leaders and influencers, it is crucial to understand the impact our words and actions have on others. People take our statements seriously, sometimes more seriously than intended. Therefore, it is essential to avoid being overly dramatic and to refrain from personal attacks and demeaning behavior. The Bible teaches us to love our enemies and pray for them, not to ravage them with words or actions.

The root of this hostility can often be traced back to selfishness. Our society has become increasingly inward-focused, prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of others. This selfishness leads to feelings of inferiority and threats, resulting in a lack of happiness and rising depression. When we do not focus on helping others, our self-esteem diminishes, and we fail to meet our own expectations in life.

To counteract this trend, we must start looking outside of ourselves and become aware of how our actions affect others. Small acts of kindness, such as smiling and being considerate, can make a significant difference. It is essential to strive to make someone's day better and to ensure that our actions do not contribute to the instability in our world.

By doing our best to promote civility and respect, we can hope and pray that our influence will positively impact others. Let us aim to foster a society where disagreement does not equate to hostility, and where respect and empathy prevail.

Expect to Win!

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