"Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and prophets." Matthew 7:12 NLT
This verse often gets misquoted in a negative way: 'Don't do to others what you don't want done to you.' Jesus spoke it in a positive manner and this is the way it is intended to be used. A 'don't do this' and a 'don't do that' is quite often received as an order and not received too well. Whereas, the way Jesus put it - in a positive way, can be more welcoming. It's a matter of words and something that we need to practice in order not to offend.
Therefore, Jesus' way would be treating people well, the way you would like to be treated. There is no room for criticism or to be accusatory when we treat people the right way. When we show people that they can trust us, we will receive that trust back. People need to know that we won't gossip about what they have told us. Sadly, this can happen at prayer meetings when people share something important to them. When they hear about this in the community, they may be devastated and make the decision never to do this again.
If we do something for someone grudgingly, then we can't really complain if this is done back to us later on. Of course, there are many occasions when we help someone out or do something to bless them and, even though they show their gratitude, when we are in need, they never reciprocate; they never help us out. But stop right there, we don't give to receive. We don't go to someone and after helping them say, 'Right, you owe me one Buddy, don't forget.' If you are considering doing this, then don't. This is not Jesus' way, He would never act in this manner.
Just a small thing like helping someone when they've dropped their groceries on the floor can speak volumes. You've helped someone asking nothing in return. This is how Jesus operates. And this is how people can tell that there is something different about you. They feel safe and at peace and yet can't recognise why. This is a great opportunity to tell them about Jesus, if the moment is right. It may not be and the Holy Spirit will guide you in this. Just be ready, on all occasions, to 'do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.'
Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.
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