Do to others whatever you would like them to
do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the
prophets. Matthew 7:12
Jesus taught about treating others the way
you want to be treated during His Sermon on the Mount. In earlier verses He
taught that we aren’t to judge others—that goes along with the way we are to
treat others. Matthew Henry expounds upon this in his commentary giving some
good insights saying that we must live righteously. We must love our neighbor
as ourselves. I think that what we say and do stems from what we think. That is
where our attitudes start—in the mind and heart. So wisely guard your thoughts
like Paul teaches in Philippians 4.
Let everyone see that you are considerate in
all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything;
instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all
he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we
can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in
Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your
thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and
admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians
4:5-8
Be considerate. Think wisely—focus your
thoughts on God. Not easy if you are like me—thinking about “me”…my feelings.
Like everyone else, I just want to be accepted. No matter that I’ve lived in
this community over 25 years—I’m still a newcomer. I recently felt rejected
when people who are “old timers” couldn’t include me. That’s OK. Life is NOT
about me. I need to be sharing Jesus…not focusing on my own personal feelings.
The pastor at our church was encouraging us to invite others to church. I asked
myself “Why?” “Why would I want to invite someone new to be snubbed by these
old timers?” Oh yes…life is not about me and there are plenty of others with
whom to be friends. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Include
them—welcome them into your group, your midst, your fellowship—your heart and
your home. If they accept your invitation, then you’ll be treating them the way
you want to be treated. Accepted, loved and encouraged. Why not reach out?
Prayer
~ Lord, give me the boldness to reach out to others around me…and to treat them
the way I want to be treated—with love, respect and acceptance. Thank You for
Your love and encouragement. It puts a smile in my heart and on my face.
Welcome
Baby Girl. Little Naomi Marie Pearl.
Blessings
on you and your sweet family.
© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT)
unless otherwise noted.
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