The golden rule has long been used as we teach young children how to treat each other. The golden rule in my mind for long into my adulthood, held the nuance that the other person sbould treat me as they would like to be treated. If we all treated each other that way, then, wouldn't the world be a nicer place to live in?
Far into my adulthood, I realized that that wasn't the nuance at all to this command of Jesus. He wasn't saying it for the other person and the way I was treated. No, He was saying it as part of His kingdom way to love each other when it's the hardest to do so.
It is a command for each of us personally on how we treat others. Simply that. There are no hinges, no nuances, no conditions - simply that I am to treat others, to love as a value as I would want to be treated, loved, and valued.
God's unconditional love has no conditions and is given because He is love. He embodies love.
So. What happens when we are ill treated? What about that slander that was said? How do I want to be treated when I mess up and make a mistake?
Luke 6:27-38 gives a lot of input to that. (Take a moment and read those verses.)
I don't believe Jesus is telling us to overlook abuse of any kind. But if we start with prayer I believe it will change our hearts and add in compassion.
Also, looking at the life of Jesus and what He modeled for us in the way of relating to those who hurt and slandered Him, gives us a framework in relating with each other. He loves without conditions. Yes, there are consequences but love, treating someone with value, is still present.
That I believe we are to embody - unconditional love. It is part of God's continuing saving grace and healing touch on our lives.
Living the kingdom ways can only be done as Jesus fills our own hearts, rooting and grounding us with His love and as we allow God's grace to impact us. We will give what we have and are filled with.
This does not hold a 1-2-3 way of doing and relating, but more of a heart posture. As we pray and stay with Jesus, He will guide us and give wisdom as we need it as we interactwith each other in this world of people broken by sin.
Lean in to Jesus. Stay under His wings and know that His everlasting arms are underneath you.
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