Being One!

When it came to defining a neighbor, Jesus seemed to turn the focus away from who one might view as a neighbor more toward the idea of BEING a neighbor. That was the emphasis of Jesus’ parable of the good Samaritan. ( Luke 10:29-37) The one who asked for the definition of a neighbor was told to “go, and do likewise.” ( Luke 10:37) There is an action we are to be mindful of that goes beyond the idea of who we might live close to.

Someone has stated… “Don’t expect your neighbor to be better than your neighbor’s neighbor.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie]

To really be honest about it, how often have we expected more of others than we perhaps were ready to give (or give in) ourselves. The greatest power for us to influence and impact the lives of others is to simply treat them rightly regardless of what they have done or whether or not our actions will be reciprocated. According to Jesus, to do for others merely for the sake of having it returned makes us no different than the rest of the world. ( Matthew 5:46-47)

The true GOLDEN PRINCIPLE we must always keep in view is…
“So WHATEVER YOU WISH THAT OTHERS WOULD DO TO YOU, DO ALSO TO THEM, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” ( Matthew 7:12 ESV)

That is the GOLDEN PRINCIPLE which ought to adorn our lives; our actions and our words. But how is such action possible? By learning to love in the way God has called us to love. In fact it is living a life that exemplifies the kind of love He has demonstrated toward us. Such action on our part is linked to what Jesus referred to as the second greatest command.

After referring to loving God with our whole being, Jesus stated…
“The second is this: ‘You shall LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” ( Mark 12:31 ESV)

And James stated…
“If you really fulfill the ROYAL LAW according to the Scripture, ‘You shall LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,’ you are doing well.” ( James 2:8
ESV)

This one GOLDEN PRINCIPLE of treating others as we wish to be treated, driven by such a love as Jesus and James addressed, can make a world of difference in relationships. We know what we like. We understand what we want. What we have therefore been called to do is treat others in the same way. Deal with others as we wish to be dealt with. Be patient toward others in the way we wish them to exercise patience toward us. Speak to others in the way we wish to be spoken to. Be considerate of others in the way we would want others to be considerate of us. Jesus’ GOLDEN PRINCIPLE will lead us toward the possession of golden relationships.

Have a great day BEING A LOVING NEIGHBOR!
Carl

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