Living the Golden Rule: Compassion in Action
Summary
### Summary
In today's reflection, we delved into the profound simplicity and challenging depth of the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This principle, while seemingly straightforward, becomes complex when applied to real-life situations, especially in the context of our current political climate and societal issues like immigration. We explored how the Golden Rule challenges us to listen to and respect our neighbors, even those with whom we disagree or feel uncomfortable. Through personal family stories of immigration, we were reminded of the importance of hospitality and the struggles that come with welcoming strangers.
We also examined how Jesus' life and teachings provide a model for us. Jesus did not come to overthrow governments or establish new political systems; instead, He focused on building relationships, teaching love, and showing kindness. His mission was to change hearts and minds, empowering us to bring about God's kingdom on earth through our actions. This means that we are called to engage with the world around us, to make decisions that reflect Jesus' teachings, and to work together to create a more just and compassionate society.
The Golden Rule is not just a personal ethic but a communal one, urging us to consider the well-being of others in our community and beyond. It calls us to act with kindness, fairness, and love, even when it is difficult. As we navigate the complexities of our world, especially during election seasons and debates on policies like immigration, we are reminded that our actions and decisions should be guided by the principle of treating others as we would want to be treated.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Challenge of the Golden Rule: The Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," is simple in theory but challenging in practice. It requires us to listen to and respect our neighbors, even those we disagree with or find difficult to understand. This principle calls us to act with kindness and fairness in all aspects of life, including political and social issues. [04:15]
2. Hospitality and Immigration: Reflecting on personal family stories of immigration highlights the importance of hospitality and the struggles that come with welcoming strangers. Our ancestors faced significant challenges and were met with varying degrees of hospitality. Today, we are called to extend that same hospitality to new immigrants, recognizing their humanity and the difficulties they face. [09:12]
3. Jesus' Model of Change: Jesus did not come to establish a new political system or overthrow governments. Instead, He focused on building relationships, teaching love, and showing kindness. His mission was to change hearts and minds, empowering us to bring about God's kingdom on earth through our actions. This model challenges us to engage with the world around us and make decisions that reflect Jesus' teachings. [17:14]
4. The Communal Aspect of the Golden Rule: The Golden Rule is not just a personal ethic but a communal one. It urges us to consider the well-being of others in our community and beyond. This principle calls us to act with kindness, fairness, and love, even when it is difficult, and to work together to create a more just and compassionate society. [13:58]
5. Empowerment to Change the World: Jesus taught us that each one of us has the power to change the world. Through His teachings and example, He showed us that we can bring God's kingdom to earth today. This empowerment calls us to take action, make decisions that reflect His love and kindness, and believe that our efforts can make a significant difference. [22:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:15] - The Challenge of the Golden Rule
[05:58] - Reflecting on Immigration
[07:34] - Family Stories of Immigration
[09:12] - The Importance of Hospitality
[10:49] - Applying the Golden Rule in Politics
[12:23] - The Example of Mormons
[13:58] - The Communal Aspect of the Golden Rule
[15:31] - Brian McLaren's Insights
[17:14] - Jesus' Model of Change
[18:59] - Living Jesus' Teachings
[20:50] - The Power of Present Actions
[22:16] - Empowerment to Change the World
[23:45] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 7:12 - "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
2. John 3:16-17 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
3. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the essence of the Golden Rule as stated in Matthew 7:12?
2. How does John 3:16-17 describe Jesus' mission on earth?
3. According to Matthew 28:19-20, what command did Jesus give to His disciples?
4. In the sermon, what personal family stories were shared to illustrate the challenges and importance of hospitality? [07:34]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Golden Rule challenge us in our daily interactions, especially with those we disagree with? [04:15]
2. What does Jesus' approach to changing the world, as described in the sermon, teach us about our role in society? [17:14]
3. How can the communal aspect of the Golden Rule influence our decisions and actions in political and social issues? [13:58]
4. Reflect on the story of the Mormons and their approach to immigration. How does their example challenge or inspire you in your own faith journey? [12:23]
#### Application Questions
1. Think of a recent situation where you found it difficult to apply the Golden Rule. How could you have approached it differently? [04:15]
2. How can you show hospitality to strangers in your community, especially those who are different from you? [09:12]
3. Jesus focused on building relationships and teaching love rather than changing political systems. How can you incorporate this approach in your interactions with others? [17:14]
4. In what ways can you contribute to creating a more just and compassionate society, especially during election seasons? [13:58]
5. Identify one action you can take this week to treat someone as you would want to be treated, even if it is difficult. [04:15]
6. How can you engage in meaningful conversations with people who have different views from yours, especially on contentious issues like immigration? [10:49]
7. Reflect on the idea that each one of us has the power to change the world. What specific steps can you take to bring about positive change in your community? [22:16]
Devotional
Day 1: The Challenge of the Golden Rule
The Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," is a profound yet challenging principle. It calls us to listen to and respect our neighbors, even those we disagree with or find difficult to understand. This principle is not just about personal interactions but extends to how we engage with political and social issues. It requires us to act with kindness and fairness in all aspects of life, reflecting the love and compassion that Jesus taught.
In today's world, applying the Golden Rule can be particularly difficult, especially when faced with divisive issues. However, it is precisely in these challenging moments that the Golden Rule becomes most important. By striving to understand and respect others, even when it is hard, we can begin to bridge divides and create a more compassionate society. [04:15]
Romans 12:18-21 (ESV): "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Reflection: Think of a person or group you find difficult to understand or agree with. How can you show them respect and kindness today, even if you disagree with them?
Day 2: Hospitality and Immigration
Reflecting on personal family stories of immigration highlights the importance of hospitality and the struggles that come with welcoming strangers. Many of our ancestors faced significant challenges and were met with varying degrees of hospitality. These stories remind us of the humanity and resilience of immigrants and the importance of extending hospitality to those who are new to our communities.
Today, we are called to extend that same hospitality to new immigrants, recognizing their humanity and the difficulties they face. This means not only welcoming them but also advocating for fair and compassionate policies that support their well-being. By doing so, we live out the Golden Rule and reflect the love and compassion of Jesus. [09:12]
Leviticus 19:33-34 (ESV): "When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God."
Reflection: Think of a way you can extend hospitality to an immigrant or someone new to your community this week. What specific action can you take to make them feel welcomed and supported?
Day 3: Jesus' Model of Change
Jesus did not come to establish a new political system or overthrow governments. Instead, He focused on building relationships, teaching love, and showing kindness. His mission was to change hearts and minds, empowering us to bring about God's kingdom on earth through our actions. This model challenges us to engage with the world around us and make decisions that reflect Jesus' teachings.
Jesus' approach to change was relational and transformative. He showed us that true change comes from within and that by loving others and building meaningful relationships, we can create a more just and compassionate society. This means that we are called to engage with the world around us, to make decisions that reflect Jesus' teachings, and to work together to create a more just and compassionate society. [17:14]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Reflect on a relationship in your life where you can show more love and kindness. How can you take a step today to build a stronger, more compassionate connection with that person?
Day 4: The Communal Aspect of the Golden Rule
The Golden Rule is not just a personal ethic but a communal one. It urges us to consider the well-being of others in our community and beyond. This principle calls us to act with kindness, fairness, and love, even when it is difficult, and to work together to create a more just and compassionate society.
In our communities, we have the opportunity to live out the Golden Rule by supporting one another and advocating for justice and compassion. This means being mindful of the needs of others and taking action to support those who are vulnerable or marginalized. By doing so, we can create a community that reflects the love and compassion of Jesus. [13:58]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Think of a way you can support someone in your community who is struggling. What specific action can you take to help bear their burden and show them love and compassion?
Day 5: Empowerment to Change the World
Jesus taught us that each one of us has the power to change the world. Through His teachings and example, He showed us that we can bring God's kingdom to earth today. This empowerment calls us to take action, make decisions that reflect His love and kindness, and believe that our efforts can make a significant difference.
We are called to be agents of change in the world, using our gifts and talents to make a positive impact. This means taking action in our daily lives to reflect the love and compassion of Jesus, whether through small acts of kindness or larger efforts to advocate for justice and compassion. By doing so, we can bring about meaningful change and help create a more just and compassionate world. [22:16]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Reflect on a gift or talent you have that you can use to serve others. How can you use this gift to make a positive impact in your community or the world today?
Quotes
1. "The golden rule, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I have to say, this feels like a mic drop moment, as younger people would say. What else is there to say? Jesus kind of summed it all up. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Amen. And the sermon, it seems so easy, it seems so straightforward. How can this be hard?" [04:15] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we start looking at the life together in a community and the way we make decisions of how we live together as a community, we start realizing that doing to others is maybe harder than Jesus made it sound. I'd like to look at one particular issue that we're struggling with right now as a nation, and my guess is that if I sent around a sheet of paper, there would be at least eight to ten different policy ideas on how to fix this issue right here in this room right now. I am guaranteeing that we would not agree on this issue. Immigration. It's a tough one." [05:58] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "This story makes me realize that maybe I need to welcome strangers to this country. Maybe it's my turn to help someone new feel welcome in this country. And when I start thinking about the reality, I start realizing this isn't as easy as Jesus makes it sound to me. The people who are coming in these days aren't coming from Norway and Denmark and Sweden like my relatives did. I don't eat the same food as the people who are coming in now. I don't speak the same language. They do things that, you know, I don't know anything about. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable." [09:12] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus doesn't say anything about do unto others what you want to do. He doesn't say anything about when it feels good or when it's comfortable or when you have any idea what you're doing. A bunch of people coming these days don't even have the same faith that I have. And, you know, Jesus doesn't say do unto others those who believe in the same God you do. Jesus says do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This is a challenge to me." [10:49] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we listen to Jesus, sometimes Jesus challenges us to have to look at things in a new way. And I think the hardest thing that Jesus is challenging us is that Jesus wants us to all come together, no matter how we identify as a color, all come together and come up with a better system to treat our neighbors. strangers into our country? I don't know what the answer is, but I think Jesus wants us to come together." [13:58] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jesus had all the power. Jesus came to save the world, but his salvation does not look like what we kind of want. We want someone who comes in and fixes everything for us, right? We want someone to come in. Jesus, you just come and tell us what immigration system we have, and we'll just do whatever you tell us. Wouldn't that be nice? Jesus didn't do that under the Romans. Jesus is not doing that today. Jesus came to save the world, and we say this in John 3.16, and it said Jesus came to save the world. Jesus did not come to save the Christians. Jesus came to save everyone." [17:14] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus came to change us. Jesus came to tell teenage fishermen who were learning their father's business how to change the world. He came and he taught two sisters, two unmarried sisters, what power do unmarried women have, who like to cook and clean, who like to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from him. He taught them that they could change the world. He taught a tax collector whose neighbors hated him because he cheated them. Jesus taught him how to change the world." [22:16] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We may be feeling in this election season that there is nothing we can do. We may even be wondering if our vote is even going to matter. But Jesus came for each one of us. Jesus has taught each one of us that each one of us can change the world. Each one of us can bring God's kingdom to earth today. The golden rule is not easy. But it's also not harder than what we can do. But we do need to decide to do it." [22:16] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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