#366 – How do you know when fairness becomes righteousness?
It's more in the attitude than the principle
Sometimes, sticking to your principles feels necessary. Other times, it's just your Ego pushing your nose up to the sky and crossing your arms, "Nope!"
This year, we left our apartment during our building's fumigation.
We booked a nearby AirBnB for three nights, but left after the first. Sleeping was impossible (the noise!) and there were rats––we found our apples gnawed in the morning. Plus the smell!
AirBnB refunded us two nights, but not the one we'd spent. Fine.
But I left an honest, detailed review because picturing a family's disappointment when they compared the actual place to the pictures made me sad.
The hosts, in turn, left me a five-star review as a guest.
Yesterday, I got a call. It was the hosts' new "reputation manager," wondering whether I could support them by removing the review. He promised they were working to turn the property around, blah blah.
If I did, they'd refund me the $172.00.
My Ego said, "Nope!," arms crossed, etcetera.
But why not? I don't want travelers to be disappointed, but I also don't want to hurt people trying to make a living. And if it's true they're bettering the place...
Even if they weren't––who's appointed me to judge AirBnB standards?
But also, would I be failing fellow AirBnB users by omitting the truth? As a user, I want to read only and all honest reviews.
When I decided to do it, my Ego shook its head, tsk-tsk, disappointed. It said I was being bribed, hushed with $172.00.
That's when I knew it was the right thing. Taking my Ego's orders won't take me to freedom.
What fairness stance that has become righteousness in your life will you drop to keep advancing towards freedom?
Love,
Carolina
There were times I did things that I didn't nornally to identify and provide support. Im a non smoker but did go have a smoke with my buddy when I sat with him after is divorce. Having a smoke ment "Hey I'm here for you."
Great question, Carolina.
My instinct has often been to make quick judgments, labeling people or situations as “wrong” to feel like I’m on the “correct” side. For instance, when I see someone in public who has made what I consider poor clothing choices, I find myself wondering, “Did they look in the mirror?”
But then I pause and remind myself, "Really, Russell? Who made you the arbiter of how others dress? It's none of your business. God created everyone uniquely. Let it go!"
I've discovered that learning to release that judgment means choosing love over the need to be "right" and appreciating the beauty of human differences and individual expression. It’s like looking through a kaleidoscope — turning it just slightly to see all the colors blend and form a stunning picture that reflects God’s creativity in each person. This shift in perspective helps me transition from critiquing to celebrating, allowing me to recognize the beauty in all of God’s children.
Your story has me reflecting: where else am I judging instead of loving?
Hugs