Matthew 7:12 says, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets." Such a simple statement, but so completely loaded with importance!
You know, I've been stuck on this one for a long time. Every time I open up my draft of this I start thinking about "the Law and the Prophets" and get stuck because I feel like I need to have this great explanation of what exactly are the Law and the Prophets. Let's just keep it simple and summarize that it's the sum of all the scriptures until Jesus was born; the entire Old Testament of our Bible.
Jesus tells us that the whole of scripture to that point can be summed up by treating others the way we want to be treated. If we are to do to others what we would have them do to us, and everyone treated each other with love and respect, like they want to be treated, wouldn't we eliminate the need for most laws in our country (and world)? We sure would! Wouldn't it put an end to all evil!? Yes!
It's so hard to hear the news of what's going on in the world. From the execution of a police officer while he filled his gas tank in our own country, to the murders and other atrocities by ISIS in the Middle East, to all of the racial unrest in America and through out the world. Murder, rape, corruption, slavery, and an abundance of anger. All of this would stop if we would only treat others the way we want to be treated.
What IF the whole world actually listened to Jesus and we began to treat each other with love and respect; the way we want to be treated!
Up next: Jesus' Command #19 - Choose the narrow way.
