Limitless love,
from the depths to the stars:
Flooding all,
Loving all.
It is the royal kiss of peace.

Hildegard Of Bingen

July 1

The rigid protection of our national interests, property , and welfare through armies and weapons will not bring us lasting peace. The rigid protection of our own interests in personal, one to one relationships wont bring us peace either. It is only the openness of love, the warmth and caring for each individual making no individual more important than another that will bring peace. It's easy to see how to care for those we love. It isn't as easy to show care for those we don't love. What this says is that what we call love is often mixed with much self interest. If other persons are doing what we want them to do, then we love them. When we are displeased or disappointed with others, then we withhold love.
This dynamic is operating whether we're talking about individuals, groups, or nations. Peace will come when we are willing to take risks and express loving kindness regardless of our personal interests. Loving opens us to a wider range of creative options for reducing conflict and thereby achieving peace. The solutions we arrive at when we have the interest of peace and both parties at heart will look entirely different than when we are pursuing our own selfish interests. As long as we are focused on getting the best for ourselves, we will run into conflict. We'll meet someone else operating in that same mode, and eventually the self interests will collide.