Tản mạn: FROM "SEE" TO "KILL"

    A layman reflects on five steps in human attitudes that can lead to bad behavior: (1) See, (2) Understand, (3) Be Afraid, (4) Hate, and (5) Kill. These insights arise from his personal experience, and they have especially inspired me during this Lenten season.

(1) See

    Most events in our daily lives begin with what we see. The eyes are our primary source of information about the actions or words of others.

    This concept can be understood more broadly: the "eye" is not only a physical organ, but also a spiritual faculty that brings impressions into our mind and heart, where they may linger before any further thoughts or actions arise.

(2) Understand

    The next step after seeing is to "understand." This crucial process helps us make decisions. After receiving information—words, actions, attitudes, emotions—the mind begins its analysis. Achieving a deeper understanding requires blending both emotion and intellect.

    Bad behavior often stems from an imbalance between emotion and intellect, as people may become guided solely by their own feelings, preferences, or habits.

    Ideally, we should PAUSE AT THIS STAGE, resisting the urge to let our minds and hearts proceed further down a negative path.

(3) Be Afraid

    At first, I was surprised by this step, but upon reflection, it makes sense. Before someone decides to commit a wrong action boldly, they often experience fear. Why is that?

 This is the "VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND CONSCIENCE"—God's final tool to remind us how to use our freedom. Of course, God does not appear like a benevolent old fairy from children's tales to stop our decisions. Instead, this voice within our hearts—this fear—is clearly His voice.

    Some argue that if a sinner commits bad behavior regularly, they will lose the "VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND CONSCIENCE" in their hearts. I completely disagree. The grace and love of God embrace all of our lives, even our sins. If people lack this inner voice, they are living without God's grace and love; this reasoning would mistakenly suggest that God abandons sinners, which I do not believe.

    I firmly believe that, even as sinners, we still recognize God's voice deep within our hearts. Sometimes, we simply cover our fear with other psychological explanations.

(4) Hate

    This attitude grows out of fear and leads us to view others with prejudice. Their words, actions, or even just their presence can become fuel for our hatred.

(5) Kill

    The final step, after these attitudes, is action.

    Killing is not only a physical act that takes away a life...

    It can also mean removing others from your attention, ignoring their presence, and ultimately withdrawing from a relationship with them.

...........

    

    This is just a humble reflection from a layman, offered as a reminder to focus on our attitudes during Lent. A wise person knows where to set limits and which decisions to make according to God's Will.

Happy Lent!

Toronto, March 11, 2026

Author: Little Stream

Photo: Moon