I’ve realized by rising above polarization, another hermetic principle, that I see the reality of how peoples beliefs, programming and conditioning molds behavior and causes division. Does that make us monsters? Sort of. I think you’re right that it’s about how we respond but most people aren’t evolved to even be self aware, so they’re literally being unconsciously run by their programmed subconscious and beliefs about the world.
I think loving your neighbor as yourself means to see that you are both divine beings and are worthy of love. However, most people are deeply unconscious and are not lovable humans. 😂 That’s where it gets complicated. I can have compassion for unconscious people because I’ve been there. I know what it was like to be enslaved by bullshit. I was raised in the Mormon church. Try unraveling that bullshit and not thinking that everyone I grew up with was stupid and evil for believing in soul suppressing bullshit. I can’t seem to get to loving unconscious humans, but I can have compassion for them. I think it’s a process of spiritual evolution. Maybe my heart isn’t opened enough to get to love because I still have more wounds to heal?
I also think truth seeking is ultimate love for humanity. When you seek the truth you remove beliefs, programming and conditioning that allows you to have the eyes to see and the ears to hear, which allows one to have the capacity to have compassion and love. It’s not self sacrifice, it’s enlightenment.