In this series of blog posts, we are looking at the “Virtues” as contained in precept 20:
TRY TO TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD WANT THEM TO TREAT YOU.
This one is about LOYALTY.
One definition of loyalty tells us “the quality of being constant in your support of somebody/something” — Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, also: “Loyalty implies a steadfast and devoted attachment that is not easily turned aside.” — The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
The last part is particularly interesting: “not easily turned aside.” Because loyalty can be easy when everything is going well. But what about when it isn’t?
Someone you care about needs help. The situation is inconvenient or uncomfortable, and perhaps everyone else steps away. Loyalty might simply mean that you stay. You help. You don’t leave someone you care about to handle it alone just because helping isn’t easy.
The Way to Happiness puts it very simply: “You would probably want your friends and companions to be loyal: you would not want them to betray you.”
Now think about it from the other side.
Can you remember a time when someone was loyal to you?
Maybe someone stood by you when things became difficult.
Defended you when you weren’t there.
Kept their word.
Stayed when others walked away.
Or helped you when it would have been easier not to.
How did that make you feel?
Sometimes just remembering a moment like that can make the meaning of loyalty much more real.
And perhaps it brings to mind someone in your own life who could use that same loyalty from you.
So this week, give loyalty some extra attention.
Look for it.
Practice it when the opportunity arises.
Notice it in others and encourage it when you see it.