The Golden Rule

Do to others as you would have them do to you. – (Luke 6:31, NIV)

Do for others what you want them to do for you. – (Luke 6:31, ERV)

However you wish to be treated by others is how you should treat everyone else. – (Luke 6:31, TPT)

This verse, also known as “The Golden Rule”, was spoken by Jesus for all. If we are truly seeking to love as God loves us, we will do unto, do for, and treat others the same way we desire to be treated. It does not say, “If others reciprocate, do these things,” but rather, just treat everyone well. Jesus does not love only those who love Him back, He truly loves all of His creation – passionately, sacrificially, and completely. His love is enough to meet our deepest needs. Because we are loved so well, we ought to long to do the same for those around us. The more we invest time with our Savior, the more clearly we are able to reflect His heart to the world. May we look for ways to do for others, to speak into the lives of others, and to treat others with the love that comes from Christ.

Do unto others,

As you would have done;

Treat all with kindness,

As each day’s begun.

Show all the great love,

That comes from the Lord;

Give kindness and grace,

Treat all as adored.

For through the Lord’s eyes,

He knows us by name;

His precious children,

Whom He loves the same.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving all of us so well. Thank You that You teach us, show us and call us to do the same. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to love as we are called to do. Teach us to turn to You to show us how, and equip us, to treat others the way we should. Fill us with Your love overflowing, so that we go forth and love all according to Your good and perfect will. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to do unto others, do for others, and treat others the way we were created to do. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34

The Light of His Word

As people understand Your word, it brings light to their lives. Your word makes even simple people wise. – (Psalm 119:130, ERV)

 

The only way that we can come to understand God’s word is to actually invest time reading it. When we do, His Spirit in us, reveals insight and understanding that we did not have before. I am in awe how I can read a passage of scripture that I have read many times before, and it seems that each time it is read, something new is gained through the investment. Even more incredible, is that so often what I learn, applies to what is going on in my life at the time. If I am struggling with difficulty, there is something about the reward of perseverance; if sorrow, the reminder that joy comes in the morning. There is ALWAYS something new to be gained through time in His word, and His wisdom is worth more than anything else that is out there.

 

I love that we don’t have to be biblical scholars to study God’s word. He will reveal Himself to us individually, and personally. He meets us where we are, and shows us more of Himself, each time that we choose invest in Him. Interestingly, the more one invests in the study of His word and time spent with Him, the more it is craved. After making time in God’s word a part of how I begin each day for the past four plus years, I feel really off if something delays my regular routine. Each offering of opportunity to further study the word, is something that I gravitate toward all the more. As new insights come, so do more questions with more to be revealed. I know I will never “arrive”, which makes the pursuit all the more necessary. May we passionately pursue God and His word, as He brings light to our lives and wisdom to our way.

 

Seek understanding,

through time in the word;

for light for our lives,

is in that space heard.

It is Christ with us,

who shows us the way;

grants wisdom and grace,

to live out each day.

Not just for scholars,

but all who pursue;

the Lord through His word,

shall come to know truth.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your word. Thank You that as we invest time in reading and meditating on what it says, You reveal more and more of who You are, and how You want us to live. Thank You that You grant us wisdom and understanding by Your Spirit in us, and that there are no prerequisites to our studying Your word. Forgive us for thinking that it is too difficult or that we do not know enough, and help us to learn to listen to Your Spirit within us as we study Your word. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will count on Your faithfulness to reveal more and more of who You are and what You have for us, each time we invest time spent with You. Lead us to love others well, so that they too might see the light and grace that You alone give to all who choose to follow You. May many make the decision to be Your disciples. Be glorified O God, as we seek to understand Your word, and walk in the wisdom that You grant us. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things.  Who, O God, is like You? – Psalm 71:19