Dear loved ones,

A venomous snake asked a white dove to help it cross a deep gorge.

The dove hesitated. “If I carry you, what will happen if you bite me?” it asked.

The snake replied, “If I bite you, I too will fall and die!”

Trusting those words, the dove carried the snake on its back and took flight. But halfway across the gorge, the snake suddenly bit the dove.

As the venom spread through its body, the dove began to fall. “I never thought you would do this!” it cried in anguish.

“Forgive me… this is my nature,” the snake replied.

This story conveys an important truth.

Our love cannot change everyone.

Some people promise to change. They gain our trust. Yet when another opportunity arises, they repeat the same mistake.

At such times, there is one thing we need to understand: a person’s change should be judged by their actions, not their words.

Forgiveness is a good quality. But we do not have to keep giving someone opportunities to hurt us again and again.

Just as it is important to be loving towards others, it is also important to protect our peace of mind and self-respect.

You may love someone, but changing them is not your responsibility.

Do not lose your love. But in the name of that love, do not lose yourself.

Published by the Saiva Sanatana Service Center for the Spirituality section of Eelam Mannin Suvadugal.