We certainly live in a time where people can say some pretty awful things about others: their beliefs, about their character, and about what they stand for. And other people may all too easily believe them. Such experiences, usually online with social media, can result in experiences that bring much pain, self-doubt, and confusion. This will often result in a reduced ability to trust others, wondering how someone could treat another so poorly and have little regard for their feelings, their family, and their faith.
And yet, as painful as this can be, it should not discourage us from what we embrace in God’s Word, especially concerning love. Perhaps you grew up hearing of ‘the golden rule’ and no, it is not: ‘He who has the most gold rules!’ Actually, Jesus is very specific in teaching how to handle difficult people: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. — Luke 6:27–28
Even if someone hates us, we can still love them. Loving other means treating them with dignity even when it is painful to do so. Even when someone hurts you — in your workplace, in your families, in your friendships — you are invited to treat them as you would have them treat you. In Luke 6:31, this is commonly referred to as ‘the golden rule.’ The Bible states is positively; that we must ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.’
Jesus’ commands are demonstrated in His life and death. He isn’t asking us to do something he Himself isn’t willing to do. He demonstrated that on the cross. He showed us what it costs to “love our enemies” (Luke 6:27). Jesus gave his life even for those enemies who crucified him. In the midst of whatever comes our way, we can listen to our Saviour’s commands and see how he lived his life to love as he did.
As we have just experienced the Easter/Resurrection season, let’s consider how we too can deny our personal comfort and priorities. Like Jesus, we can love our enemies, bless those who mock us and pray for those who hurt us. We can practice mercy: by not giving others what they deserve. Take a mental inventory of how you’ve reacted when wronged. Are you self-righteous in your venting or retaliation against that person? Try to approach the situation with today’s scripture in mind. Give it some effort! And who in your life has shown you how to live out the Golden Rule? Has someone ever treated you kindly when you didn’t return the favour? Pay it forward!
