How do we forgive those who oppose us and do not hold us in high regard if we are not highly religious?

Forgiving is not an easy process, to forgive someone, you have to really empathize with the other person and see why do they feel such negatively about you... When you see that, you then ask why are they like that? And when you'll really think about that; you'll realize that everyone is limited in some sphere just the way you are... You'll have to keep empathizing with the person though (mentally) till you feel the realization... Not everyone will see things the way you do, some will see you as bad, some as good... it does not really matter in the end. What matters is how much can you hold on to what you want to do

Everyone is entitled to their views and this should be respected as long as it is not imposing on others. there is nothing to forgive except for the ignorance displayed in this sensitive matter. Religion is a very private belief. we all have choices and the choices we make are our rights as long as it is not socially harmful. i feel that if someone does not hold me in high regards in this matter, then the problem is not mine but that of the beholders especially if theyrefuse to respect my point of view.

Wow, what a question. Well, unfortunately I have to deal with this almost everyday of my life. It's one of those things where you just got to be reminded that the fight is not yours to fight and the battle belongs to the Lord. If you see yourself as breaking down barrows that exist between people, who want to live better and have a better lifestyle. It becomes much easier to over look their down fall. People, who do not know any better then to work the hardest to prevent something good from moving forward because it sheds some darkness on what they do through the light of someone else efforts to do good.