It's important.

I once had a friend tell me, "There's just too much judgement in the world, and not nearly enough love." It's true. We're all too quick to jump on those who don't see the world exactly the way we do.

I read this post today, which led me to this commentary about Christianity and unconditional love. 

Take a few minutes and read the latter. It kicked me in the gut; what an excellent reminder that being a good person means being that same good person to each individual you encounter. 

I once attended a leadership conference with Highland High's rugby coach, Larry Gelwix. I recall him remarking that "you can judge a person's character based on how they treat the people they don't need."

And so I echo Dan Pearce's plea:

"My request today is simple. Today. Tomorrow. Next week. Find somebody, anybody, that’s different than you. Somebody that has made you feel ill-will or even [gulp...] hateful. Somebody whose life decisions have made you uncomfortable. Somebody who practices a different religion than you do. Somebody who has been lost to addiction. Somebody with a criminal past. Somebody who dresses “below” you. Somebody with disabilities. Somebody who lives an alternative lifestyle. Somebody without a home.

Somebody that you, until now, would always avoid, always look down on, and always be disgusted by.

Reach your arm out and put it around them.

And then, tell them they’re all right. Tell them they have a friend. Tell them you lovethem.

If you or I wanna make a change in this world, that’s where we’re gonna be able to do it. That’s where we’ll start."

There's too little unconditional love in the world, and we can do something about it. And we should. Myself included. And that's my soapbox.