In Pursuit of Universal Love: From Leviticus to the Human Touch

From Leviticus, the age-old adage rings true: "Love your neighbour as yourself." If this one command were genuinely embraced by each and every person on this planet, would we still need lawyers and solicitors? The concept of universal love and empathy may seem like a dream, perhaps too idealistic to be real. But is it truly an unreachable ideal? Is this dream doomed to remain forever just a dream? While the simplicity of the question might be disarming, the answer is perhaps more complex than a simple 'yes' or 'no'. Despite the obstacles that may discourage us, we should not abandon our quest for a world in which love and mutual respect shape our actions and decisions. Such a pursuit is evident in churches and other sacred spaces where the human heart is ministered to with moral teachings that serve as a comforting balm. In these spaces, we are challenged to look beyond our often constricted viewpoints, overcome our scepticism, and temper our tendencies toward greed and indulgence. Can such a dream truly become a reality? And what might our world look like if it did?

In exploring the notion of "who is our neighbour," we must look beyond superficial differences and recognize the common humanity that binds us all. Cultural diversity may bring with it unique traditions, customs, and ways of living, but beneath these apparent differences, we all share the same fundamental human experiences. Indeed, every culture knows the joys of laughter, the pangs of grief, and the depths of love. But do these shared experiences mean we all feel emotions in the same way? Are emotions universal, or are they shaped by our cultural background?

It's essential to understand that while the core emotions—like happiness, sadness, anger, and fear—may be universal, how they are expressed and understood can vary greatly among different cultures. Cultural norms and values often influence our emotional expression and perception. For example, in some cultures, openly expressing anger or sadness may be frowned upon, while in others, it is encouraged and seen as a sign of strength and authenticity.

Furthermore, emotions are not just personal experiences; they play a crucial role in building relationships and fostering connections within communities. By acknowledging the validity and richness of others' emotional experiences, we can foster empathy and understanding, bridging the gap between different cultures.

The question, then, is not whether other cultures have unique emotional channels but how we can learn to appreciate the diverse ways emotions are experienced and expressed. Can we look past the surface differences and reach a deeper understanding of what it means to be human? Can we learn to love our neighbour, regardless of their culture or background, by recognizing the shared human experiences that unite us all? In doing so, we may discover that the dream of a world shaped by love and mutual respect is not so distant after all.

Time is the currency of life, and amidst the relentless demands of the everyday, we often find ourselves hard-pressed to spare any of it for others, much less for the lofty ideal of loving our neighbours. In the hustle and bustle of survival—waking up, getting the kids ready for school, managing our deteriorating mental health—we may find the concept of neighbourly love receding into the background. Especially in the UK, where the mental health crisis has reached unprecedented levels since the pandemic, it can feel like an indulgence, even an impossibility, to step outside our personal struggles to consider others. Indeed, the dream of universal love and empathy can seem like nothing more than a fairy tale, a fanciful escape from the harshness of our lived reality.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads, and as we pass through them they prove to be many-coloured lenses which paint the world their own hue." Indeed, the challenges and struggles we face colour our perception of the world around us and can sometimes cloud our capacity for empathy. But does this mean we should abandon the dream of love for our neighbours? Should we resign ourselves to the notion that the teachings of the Bible are nothing more than a Disney story, a fantastical distraction from the grim reality we inhabit?

I argue that we should not. While the dream of universal love may seem distant and unattainable, it is precisely in these moments of struggle that we need it most. The empathy we extend to our neighbours, the kindness we show to those around us, has the power to lift us from the depths of our own despair. In the words of Emerson, "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." Perhaps the key to addressing our own mental health struggles lies in reaching out to others, in understanding that we are all connected by the shared human experience. By practicing love and empathy, we can reclaim our humanity and begin to heal both ourselves and the world around us.

And so, we pursue the dream, the dream of a world in which love and empathy shape our actions and decisions. I remember a time, when I knocked on the door to my Nan's, a woman who was in her 90's at the time, and she said "Oh Phil, perfect timing"... and she asked for my help in doing something no 90-year-old should be doing. I can't remember the task, all I remember was the joy in seeing me at the door... she knew that I would do anything for her. It is being there... being a presence in people's lives that may just be good enough. In a world where digital communication has become the norm, we may be neglecting our neighbours. We are not there for them... the physical presence of being is paramount and supersedes all things in the digital world. In cafes, we see people with their heads bowed, seemingly in prayer, but no, they are focused on their phones. They look like monks praying some ancient mantra... a modern-day ritual that is killing our humanity.

More than ever, our churches, which preach the goodness of humanity and the teachings of Jesus, must explore the importance of the human touch. As the song "Human Touch" by Bruce Springsteen says, "We all need the human touch, we all need the human touch. I need it, the human touch. We all need the human touch. We all need it, and I need it too." It is a reminder that we are all interconnected, and that our bonds are strengthened when we reach out and touch one another with acts of kindness and compassion. The human touch is a basic need, as fundamental as air or water, and it has the power to transform lives.

It is a sad irony that in an age of unprecedented connectivity, many of us have never felt more alone. Our devices have become both our window to the world and a barrier that separates us from it. While technology has brought many benefits, it cannot replace the warmth of a handshake, the comfort of a hug, or the reassurance of a loving touch. These simple acts, which require no words, can convey a world of emotion and make a profound impact on the lives of those around us.

Let us remember the teachings of Jesus, who touched the sick, the blind, and the outcasts of society, and who reminded us of the power of human connection. Let us remember that it is in the small, everyday acts of kindness that we find the true essence of love. Let us be there for our neighbours, our friends, and our family, and let us strive to make the dream of universal love a reality. It is a dream worth pursuing, and it is a dream that can change the world.