How do you really treat others?
How do you care for others? The needy? The hurt? Your neighbor? Check yourself with God’s words and see what description fits you best.
Those who depend on religious laws.
How people are to be treated is the subject of selfish debate.
“One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”
The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”
The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:25-29 nlt
Those who don’t care about any laws.
Other people are simply opportunities to exploit and cause harm.
“Jesus replied with a story: “’ Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.’” Luke 10:30 nlt
Those who claim to be leaders of the law and their followers.
Others should meet certain criteria. “I’ve got my act together. Clean yours up, then come see me.”
“By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by the other side.” Luke 10:31-32 nlt
Those who care about others.
Other’s needs are important enough to give hands-on attention.
“Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his won donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. Luke 10:34 nlt
Those who care about personal gain.
Other people are simply a means to an end.
“The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’” Luke 10:35 nlt
Whom did Jesus say treated others right?
Jesus looks at the intent of the heart. The one who shows mercy knows how to care for others.
“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.
The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
How did Jesus treat others?
He loved others so much that he died for them.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 nlt
Where do you fit in?
I know where Jesus says we should fit in. That’s where I want to be. Following Jesus’ example. Following God’s edict to love my neighbor as myself.
A personal note.
My debut novel, Running From Asperity, releases on May 01. You can pre-order your copy here now.