October 9

Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and Prophets. Matthew 7:12

Here we have it—the Golden Rule. I am in awe that God could reduce everything He requires to this simple statement—or is it that simple? We, as Christians, are going to treat this verse differently than the non-Christian. We have knowledge of what God has done for us, so, hopefully, we will use that knowledge as we treat others. We are aware of the great love that Jesus expressed toward us at the cross, so we would be amiss if we did not express a self-sacrificing love toward our neighbors. Yet, at the same time, we can begin to realize that those who do not understand Jesus may treat us in a manner that seems to fall short of our expectations. But we will not hold grudges for this behavior.

The way we treat others is a broad subject. It involves all that we do as well as all that we do not do. It involves our outward actions as well as our attitude that we try to keep to ourselves. It involves action as well as reaction. In involves our mind and our tongue.

Lord Jesus, let me fulfill the Law and the Prophets by my attitude and my actions as we walk together today. You have set the pattern of speaking the truth in love, all the while reaching out with total understanding and forgiveness. Somehow I must keep ever before me that I am to fulfill the role of the servant, for that would place all those around me in a position of honor. They would like to be treated in that manner, and I can only trust that You will show them that it is Your power and grace that they are seeing. I look forward expectantly for You to do this. In Your precious name, Amen.
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