Friends: What Does It Mean?

I want to show you I mean well, but how do I cross the aisle? If a picture says a thousand words, an action must demonstrate a hundred intentions. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” is not just about feelings; we should show love with concrete action. Verbal praises, due recognition, and generally just caring about each other’s possessions and financial welfare are thus integral components of ‘loving thy neighbor’. It’s not enough to just say hello from a distance and offer the occasional smile. Loving another person means being devoted to his or her welfare. It also means one’s actions should not infringe on the happiness and wellbeing of another.

Western culture might have a hard time understanding this, but honor is also important for a healthy soul. Just to be clear, we are talking about honoring others, not self-gratification and stroking one’s own ego. We should always run away from self-honor. However when it comes to our friends honor, we should always give with an open hand. It is a strange phenomenon; giving honor costs us nothing, but it may be more precious than gold for the recipient.

To love another is to give. Balanced giving is life, unbalanced taking is the opposite. We can find wellsprings of energy within when we give with an open heart. The heart expands and makes room, like a loving parent who welcomes another child. In our culture it is especially important to focus on this teaching. Balanced giving is a healthy behavior, whether it means of our time, our attention, or even simple compliments. It expands our mind and allows us to Live, to Love.