[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fAXxzeiCs-IvDboBWIbMzzpKoJ9rXHvFvL7IQt7GUekg":3,"$fE1lkgfEVU4Fp54BivjZ0wlOZfDaZgT6Sytjv798BlyE":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"bio_jsonld":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},28190,"Jerry Zehr","J",2,null,"jerry-zehr",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":54},[14,36],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":8,"has_image":17,"author":18,"source":19,"quote_tag":20,"commentary":9},133103,"There is a commonality in our faith traditions that can help us turn away from polarization and re-create a greater sense of community in which our differences are honored.",false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[21,26,31],{"id":22,"tag":23},870131,{"id":24,"tag_name":25},111,"spirituality",{"id":27,"tag":28},870129,{"id":29,"tag_name":30},6289,"peace-making",{"id":32,"tag":33},870130,{"id":34,"tag_name":35},6297,"peace-on-earth",{"id":37,"quote_text":38,"author_id":5,"source_id":8,"has_image":17,"author":39,"source":40,"quote_tag":41,"commentary":53},133098,"Loving our friends is easy, loving the other will bring shalom.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[42,45,50],{"id":43,"tag":44},870111,{"id":24,"tag_name":25},{"id":46,"tag":47},870110,{"id":48,"tag_name":49},2581,"peace-of-mind",{"id":51,"tag":52},870109,{"id":29,"tag_name":30},"**The Backstory**\n\nThis quote is attributed to Jerry Zehr, a Canadian theologian and philosopher known for his work on Jewish-Christian dialogue. While I couldn't pinpoint the exact origin or date of this specific quote, it's likely from one of his books or lectures on spirituality and interfaith understanding. During his time, Zehr was actively engaged in promoting peace and reconciliation between Jews and Christians in a post-Holocaust world.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\n\nWhat lies beneath this seemingly innocuous statement is a profound tension between two fundamental human experiences: love for those close to us (our friends) and love for others who may be perceived as \"other,\" even enemies. The counter-intuitive truth hidden here is that loving our friends, though comfortable and familiar, doesn't require the same level of moral courage or depth as loving the stranger.\n\n**How to Use This**\n\nTo apply this mindset in your life today, consider not just how you treat those who are easy to love (your colleagues at work), but also how you can cultivate a sense of shalom—peace and harmony—with those who may be difficult to love (a challenging customer or a competitor). This involves actively seeking understanding and empathy towards individuals we might otherwise overlook or dismiss.",{"currentPage":55,"totalPages":55,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":56},1,10]