Difficulty in Relationships

Good Morning:

Chuckle -- A child's prayer: "Dear God, Did you intend for the giraffe to look like that or was it an accident?" Norma

Quote: “Trust is to human relationships what faith is to gospel living. It is the beginning place, the foundation upon which more can be built. Where trust is, love can flourish.” --Barbara B. Smith

A DIFFICULT PRINCIPLE IN RELATIONSHIPS:

"Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get" (Matthew 7:12 MSG).

Living by the Golden Rule principle is not just difficult, it's impossible in our own strength. How then can we say to an unbelieving world, "if we would only treat each other like we want to be treated," the world would be a better place?" This is a principle to live by for believers who have been changed from the inside out -- those who know Christ. When Jesus spoke these words, he was teaching His followers during his Sermon on the Mount. To fully understand and apply His words in our daily living requires a transformation by the Holy Spirit. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV).

A missionary was sharing this verse (Matthew 7:12) with some natives. When he finished, the head of the group said, "If the God who made us would give us a new heart, then we could do this, but that's the only way."

Only if we have a new heart can this principle be applied as Jesus intends. William Barkley said, "to obey this principle, a man must become a new man with a new center to his life." Families and churches have been torn apart because people wouldn't treat one another as they want to be treated.

To be true to the teachings of Jesus, we must never apply the Golden Rule principle solely to get better treatment for ourselves. It should always be applied out of Christ-like love and compassion for others and to make their lives better. More than likely, it will result in better treatment for ourselves, but that should not be our motive. Agape (Christ-like ) love for others is unconditional -- it expects nothing in return.

Here is a challenge for each of us today. First, be sure you have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Then pray every day for the power to treat the people in your life with love, kindness, consideration, understanding, and acceptance in the same way you want to be treated. Ask God to help you refocus on building relationships. If you do this, your life and the lives of those around you will change dramatically and you will be happier and more completely fulfilled. One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness, for it is usually returned in even greater measure than that which was given.

Love, Jerry & Dotse