Letting the Light Interpret for Us

Reader Responses

What does “that of God in everyone” mean to you?
How does this idea influence the way you are in the world?

This idea is the crux of how I interact with everyone. I see "that of God in everyone" as the essence of humanity. We are all one. We all experience the highs and lows of life. We are all capable of such blessed good and yet also of doing untold harm. Remembering that we are all just humans trying to get by, a species of ape that still has instincts for survival but also the ability for higher reasoning. To push past our instincts and choose a calmer, more loving way to be in this world.

Seeing that of God in everyone means I am able to respond with curiosity and compassion when someone acts in a negative way. It does not mean I excuse their behaviour, not at all. It allows me to step outside my own reaction to the vitriol, hurt, or aggression I feel. I can find compassion for that person and also hold them accountable for what they have said or done.

None of our personalities or experiences have been created in a vacuum. Looking for reasons why we all act the way we do makes it easier to see how much we are all alike. My friend has the word "sonder" tattooed on her arm as a reminder of this very thing: every single person you interact with has just as complex of an inner life as you.

Becks R., Carstairs, Alberta, Canada

Jewish wisdom says that when you meet a new person, you enter the new universe and are thereby transformed. This is similar to seeking that of God in everyone we meet. If we are seeking to know how we are connected, then we are not judgmental, but finding common ground and loving that person.

I try to learn the person's point of view and accompany them for as long as I can on their path. I try to share with them on points where we agree, being open to ideas that maybe new to me.

Seeking that of God and everyone is a way of seeing the world and every day afresh with possibilities and love.

Dorothy G., Portland, ME, USA

When I struggle to see or respond to "that of God in everyone", if I perceive someone has done, or is doing things that are harmful to others, for example, my solution is to imagine them as a baby. 

Knowing that no one is born full of hate or able to commit crimes helps me take pause and find compassion for people who may choose to do these things for whatever reason. Thinking of people as children, full of love and Light, connects me with their humanity, and enables me to approach them with that of God in me.

Elizabeth S., Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

I find this a difficult one, and people have said to me, "How can you believe this when there are people like Trump and Hitler in this world?"

Trump is easier to answer, as a living entity. Whilst his politics and ideology are not mine, I have to believe that he is a caring and protective father and grandfather. His energy, passion, and conviction that he is doing the right thing are other areas where I have to believe that there is also a glimmer of the Light.

In difficult times it can be hard to see this, but I encourage people to think wider than the external manifestation, even if you sometimes have to dig deeply.

Louise S., Warwick, Warwickshire, UK

As a non-theist, I understand that the life/energy force within the entire universe exists in everything and everyone. To put it simply, I identify "God" as that cosmic consciousness, love energy, spirit, soul that permeates every nano-particle, wave, atom, gravitational pull within each of us and the infinite universe. The physical universe is the manifestation of the "ALL IN ONE and the ONE IN ALL!"

Joseph I., Washington, DC, USA

I often hear people interpreting "that of God in everyone" as meaning that we all contain some little piece or spark of God. That does not make sense to me, because I regard God as pure wholeness -- so there is no such thing as a little piece of divinity. We each contain the fullness of the divine spirit, which recognizes itself in every other person. We just need to remember that and tune into it.

Joe O., Paw Paw, MI, USA

I understand that we all are born innocent and have the potential for living in/with the presence of Love/God/Spirit. However, through being "carefully taught" Hate, Fear, and Greed, we can build barriers to that presence. Thus I see that my task is to try and break down those barriers within and between each other, including myself. 

Darkness can not put out darkness nor can it put out light, it can only be evidenced from a barrier to the light. The light can put out darkness only if there are no barriers. Love, Hope and Faith (including in each other? as in the Good Samaritan, etc.) can "overcome."

Tom S., Lino Lakes, MN, USA