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We’ve all heard the “Golden Rule,” but I suspect we’ve missed the really difficult part of it. Culturally, we all know its “nice to be nice.” However, Jesus will show that His followers are called to go above and beyond in their expression of care and love to their neighbors.
The Golden Rule
“Do onto others as you would have them do onto you.”
Judaism – “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor.”
Hinduism – “Do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.”
Buddhism – “Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.”
Confucianism – “Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.”
Zoroastrianism – “Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.”
Baha’i Faith – “Desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself.”
Observations & Conclusions
- Distinction: Christian love is ACTIVE; it is about DOING
- Dimension: Zero return: Show love without strings attached
- Direction: Extend love even to your enemies
- Duplication: Your own preferences will be the standard
- Degree: Great is your reward; God is keeping score
- Demonstration: Generosity is evidence of Christian love
Application:
The person who drive me nuts the most is _________________ is the person I will pray for
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Matthew 22:36-40
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Romans 13:9
“The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:14
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
James 2:8
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.”
“A great man once said, nothing.”
1 Peter 2:21-23
21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
1 Peter 2:24
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”