Disciples Live Out the Golden Rule
Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
~ Jesus
- You have timed the traffic stoplight and know you have a good chance of finally making it through the light. Instead you allow a person on the side street to enter traffic ahead of you. They wave and are grateful. You’re grateful too -- while you sit idly for 2 more minutes (and possibly praying).
- A snide remark pops into your mind that would put a fellow coworker in a poor light, but you pause just enough to weigh the negative impact of your quick wit and hold your tongue. You overcome the temptation and smile with the Lord rather than with your fellow employees.
This week we are reminded that disciples follow the Golden Rule. It is a basic way to love your neighbor as you love yourself. It is faith expressing itself in love, as Paul says in Galatians 5:6.
Galatians 5:6b
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Many opportunities for sharing your faith arise because of the way that we live, such as determining which actions you follow through with and which actions you hold back on; which thoughts you allow expression and which thoughts you withhold for the sake of others.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, many philosophers have espoused their version of the Golden Rule, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. One does not need to be a disciple of Yours to live out such a rule. But as Your disciple, I want to live it out in order to follow You, to honor You, and to bring glory to my Father - our Father - in Heaven. Bless my devotions this week that I am drawn deeper into seeing the opportunities to carry out this truth and acting upon it. Amen.
DISCIPLE-OF-JESUS TASK:
As a basic blessing, go and do something for
someone else that you wish would be done
for you.
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
An explanation of the connection between Psalm 119 and the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet was provided in a previous devotion.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:17-24 (Gimel, 3rd letter)
ג
- Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word. - Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law. - I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me. - My soul is consumed with longing
for your laws at all times. - You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
those who stray from your commands. - Remove from me their scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes.
- Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees. - Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
Micro-Meditation Action
Read the verses of the Psalm two times. Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.
Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
The letter Gimel involves opposites like giving/receiving, curses/blessings, or reward/punishment. Look back and see that imagery in verses 21-23 in Psalm 119.