Ok, some refer to this as the Golden Rule. I am not sure where that term came from and quite frankly I am not going to spend further time in looking for it. A quick Google search of the term gave me a quick glimpse into those who harbor much hatred for God, Jesus and faith. This concept as some say is simple and been around for thousands of years and before Jesus. After reading some of the comments on Google it is proof that it is not always easy. God understands, just look what he challenges us with in Luke 6:32: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
I do believe that God created all things and wrote His Word on the hearts of man before sending Jesus to save us. I will let you believe what you believe if you will let me believe what I believe, fair enough? I will love you know matter what. Now that one is a little tougher but through God, possible. I do know that in Luke 6:31 says: Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. (NASB)
We have all fallen short of this goal haven’t we? Such a simple term that rolls off the tongue easily but in practice can be uncomfortable; logically easy but emotionally difficult. This emotional difficulty has stopped many recoveries. Amazing to me the patience involved when beginning a 12 Step program. In Celebrate Recovery, Luke 6:31 is the verse that goes along with Step 8. Step 8 is: We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Cringe….the emotions of the recovering person tighten up here. WHAT??!! I have to write down all the people I have harmed through my addictions and compulsive behaviors??
Some can not bear the thought and give up at step one or two already worrying about making amends. The thing that gets to me is in Step 8 we are only asked to BECOME WILLING to make these amends. It is Step 9 before we are told to go and make these amends whenever possible. Can we become WILLING to treat others as ourselves and love everyone? We will do it sometimes and sometimes we will have to make amends.
Odds are today most of us will treat someone UNLIKE what we would like to be treated or meet someone hard to love. Can we be willing to recognize what we just did, stop, rewind and go to that person and make an amends right away? Just say, you know I am sorry but my affirmation for the day was to treat others the way I want them to treat me and I just blew it. I would not want you to treat me like I just treated you. Will you forgive me?
That wasn’t so hard(in your mind) was it? That’s one amend out of the way. Let’s list the others and just become willing. We have a higher calling as written here in Luke 6:35-36: “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (NASB)
God please fill us with Your Spirit that can show Your love and Your Mercy. Holy Spirit please replace my feelings and emotions with Yours. Have you found a way to follow God’s way with others? Please share with us.
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
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