As Christians, we’re not called to love others in the same way that they love us. That could get real lonely real fast. Christian love is not self-centered, but selfless. Today’s excerpt from The Kingdom Turn is found on pages 159 and 160:
“If we need a general guideline for the shape our expressions of love should take, we can do no better than that which Jesus declared: Do unto others whatever you would have them do unto you. Now precisely because this Golden Rule is so familiar, we need to take a more careful look at its teaching.
“First, note that the emphasis is on doing. Love is something we do by words and deeds. Love involves actions requiring power, Kingdom power.“Jesus did good to people in the everyday contexts of His life, taking whatever needs He happened to encounter along the way as situations to be addressed with the love of God.
“By cultivating kindness, thoughtfulness, attentiveness, and a willing spirit, we will always be in a posture of being ready to do whatever is needed to show the love of God to our neighbors.
Notice, in the second place, that the grounding of the Golden Rule is in our own souls. We should do to others what we would like them to do to us.
My late father-in-law used to have a practice, especially when he was a little down or feeling sorry for himself, of making a list of the five things he would most like people to do for him. Then he would get busy and start doing those things for others.
“This is good advice. As you are with the Lord in prayer at the beginning of the day, ask yourself, ‘What would I like someone to do for me today?’ Whatever things the Lord puts on your heart, make a point of doing them for others, as often as the Lord gives you opportunity.”
For reflection or discussion
1. How do you prepare each day for living out the Golden Rule with others?
2. How does growing in love for God work to help us be more consistent in loving others?
Look, when we think about the Kingdom of God, about making the Kingdom turn, we need to think near and aim small—today, in my life sphere, in whatever I do, to glorify God and love my neighbor. If we think like Jesus did, we’ll be more likely to love in His Golden Rule way. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to talk about it. Your copy of The Kingdom Turn is waiting at The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
