The arrogant and vengeful are quick to claim they hold the cards, set the terms, and decide the rules of the game. The more wise and discerning will recognize such claims as false pretenses of power, intimidation, and exerting leverage over others. The world is often unpredictable and sometimes chaotic, leaving some to assume the pursuit of power, authority, and dominion over others is the only pathway to restoring order. Bullies and aggressors often experience early victories because they use the element of surprise and force, but their power and influence rarely stand the test of time. The reason is simple: bullies fail to understand their own humanity.

History is filled with stories of people groups and nations in competition against each other. Naturally, many interpret our survival and human progress ultimately as winners and losers—a social Darwinian approach to the survival of the fittest. This ideological view of humanity presumes that when the weakest, detestable, impure, and “worst of the worst” are removed or purged from society, then the strongest, greatest, and purest are left to flourish in a more utopian state.

Humanity endures not because we are creatures of survival and dominion, but because we are fundamentally creative, cooperative, and emotional beings of mind, body, and soul. In a consistent rebuke of the latter, we press on with life together in spite of popularized ideals that result in the oppression, discrimination, hatred, violence, and subjugation of others. At our core, we reject injustices and long for love, mercy, acceptance, freedom, and equality. Unfortunately, sometimes we forget how to obtain it or lack the humility to learn a better and more just way.

In the Christian tradition, the radical opposition to fear, grievance, revenge, and violence against others is to value life and redemption over death and condemnation. Jesus said, “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28) In a time when the arrogant wield the levers of power and war, and claim for themselves the righteous mandate of God’s will, it’s our collective responsibility to resist the temptation to play by their flawed rules and assumptions. They are in grave error.

Humanity is not a lost cause, and life is not a zero-sum game. The life we are intended to live and lead acknowledges that all people are created and beloved, regardless of where they’re from or where they’ve been. Everyone belongs and deserves an opportunity for a just and flourishing life, including our perceived enemies. The way of love is hard-coded within us. We only need to awaken it.