Goodwill to all people, always
Because, in the end, love wins, and POEGTAP does not work without love.
Peace on earth and goodwill to all people is the Christmas anthem, and it is in the teachings of Jesus that we find this joined-up vision for a new world order set out most completely.
It is summarised in the words known as the ‘Sermon on the Mount”.
There he says :
“The law says that the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’
But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.
If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.
If someone in authority demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.
You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbour’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies!”
This is without doubt the hardest aspect of POEGTAP. It demands that we make a sacrifice, of our pride, our self-importance and, at times, of our personal values and well-being, for the well-being of others depends on it. Unconditional, unselective love does not come naturally to us; we have to learn it. But without it POEGTAP will fail.
As the song goes - 'lean on me; we all need somebody to lean on'.