Loving Others Starts In Us
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. - Matthew 7:12 (NIV)
As we come to the end of this preaching series, I’ve found myself chewing on this verse. Many know it as The Golden Rule. Both then and now “the Law and the Prophets” were often seen as more of a measuring stick for belonging, with the emphasis being more about WHAT the rules are instead of WHY God set them in the first place.
In attempts to get it “right”, the Jewish people went from the 10 commandments given to Moses to 613 Jewish commandments (mitzvot in Hebrew). The heart of the Law got lost over time, and Jesus, through the Sermon on the Mount, resets our purpose and reminds us of the WHY: “Do not judge…do to others what you would have them do to you.” It’s about how we treat one another!
In last Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Scott clarifies that the “narrow gate” Jesus refers to in the next verse is obedience, not doctrine. That just believing (knowing the WHAT) isn’t enough, the expectation is that we show our understanding of those beliefs (the WHY) through our actions.
It’s not about casting others down. It’s about being able to see one another with the fullness of the Image of God that we were each created to embody. If we are willing to see another person as we see ourselves, how much more compassion would we show? How much more grace would we give?
Perhaps, one place that some of us get stuck might be in how we see ourselves? Do you see yourself with the fullness of the Image of God that you are created to embody?
Later in Jesus’ ministry, we again see Him summarize “the Law and the Prophets”:
“'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'” - Matthew 22:37-39
How do we “do to others what you would have them do to you” in a way that reflects the Love of God if we’re not loving ourselves well?
Pastor Scott asked, ”What must I be changing to live in obedience? What habits might I have that get in the way of living my life the way Jesus would live it?” (paraphrased)
Self-reflection is such a large part of our “apprenticeship with Jesus.” We know our own personal stories. And sometimes, we may need help to process those stories and experiences in a way that allows us forgiveness, grace, mercy, compassion…love. (Remember that part about trees and fruit? And the fruits of the Spirit? Sounds a lot like that, huh?)
The hurts that temporarily disable our ability to love ourselves often come from being treated in unloving ways by the people who have had a primary role in teaching us what love looks like. Whether it was intentional or not, it impacts us in a way that we accept “raca” (see Matthew 5:21-22 NIV), we accept being treated “less-than” as a societal norm. And in turn, we accept and participate in treating others as less than, too.
Jesus says, “no Raca!”
(For a great sermon on what “raca” means watch this powerful sermon by Rev. Albert Tate - Eyes to See )