Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said, 'But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.'

(New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

This is the Golden Rule, to do to others what we would wish to they do to us! Many writers and many societies have this rule, but all are written in the negative form. Hillel one of the greatest Rabbis was once asked if he could recite the whole law while a man stood on one leg. His answer was "What is hateful to you, do not do to another." Quite an acceptable answer, but unlike the Christian statement, it's in the negative.

Jesus' Golden Rule asks what we can do for others, it is actively positive, asking us to go out and help others. But why would we want to do this, it's not sensible is it?

As Christians we worship a God who is totally generous, who gives and gives to us - who forgives us again and again - who loves us so much that He sent His Son to rescue us from our sin. How can we do anything but copy his generosity when dealing with other people?

Thursday 10th September, follow up thoughts

Heavenly Father,
help us follow Your example
of positive love,
by actively doing things
to help others,
and giving to everyone
in the way we would
like to be given.
Amen.