Some 2,000 years ago, a radical "left-leaning"teacher taught a lesson on how to live life in such a way that it would produce universal peace. Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and John Lennon are just a few of millions of people who have borrowed heavily from this man who only took the wisdom of his culture from 2,000 years prior. But as all these people can attest, some words are called words of wisdom because they outlive the trends and buzzwords to linger in the infinite universe.
Here is just a small sampling of what this guy said about living life in a way that celebrates peace, unity, and perhaps even joy. As you read them, try to picture these words in light of the news of the day. What images come to mind? What feelings stir within you?
Here is just a small sampling of what this guy said about living life in a way that celebrates peace, unity, and perhaps even joy. As you read them, try to picture these words in light of the news of the day. What images come to mind? What feelings stir within you?
| LOVE your enemies. DO GOOD to those who hate you. BLESS those who curse you. PRAY for those who abuse you. If someone strikes you on the cheek, OFFER them the other. If anyone takes away your coat, DO NOT WITHHOLD even your shirt. GIVE to everyone who begs from you. If anyone takes away your goods, DO NOT ASK for them again. Do To OTHERS As YOU Would Have Them Do To You. |  |
Do these words sound like sound advice? If so, why is it so hard for us to do? I mean, we can love others but that's not what the guy is saying. He's saying love those who don't love you back. Even bad people can love those who love them. They can do good to those who do good to them, too. And it's easy for anyone to lend something to someone knowing that you will be repaid (and maybe with interest).
But those who can do those things listed above will be rewarded differently. "You will be rewarded greatly, you'll be children of the Most High who is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked."
Perhaps we ought to stop pretending to be mean grown ups and start being children who are loved and cared for. Therefore, this wise man said, "Be merciful just as your Father is merciful." In other words, stop trying to divide or segregate or conquer or turn people against each other but instead love, do good, bless, pray, offer, give, and receive the reward...peace, now and forever.
Maybe that might change the tone of the news, the politics, and the feelings we are having living in an age of uncertainty. And by the way...that guy, that left leaning teacher was Jesus, not Jesús.
But those who can do those things listed above will be rewarded differently. "You will be rewarded greatly, you'll be children of the Most High who is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked."
Perhaps we ought to stop pretending to be mean grown ups and start being children who are loved and cared for. Therefore, this wise man said, "Be merciful just as your Father is merciful." In other words, stop trying to divide or segregate or conquer or turn people against each other but instead love, do good, bless, pray, offer, give, and receive the reward...peace, now and forever.
Maybe that might change the tone of the news, the politics, and the feelings we are having living in an age of uncertainty. And by the way...that guy, that left leaning teacher was Jesus, not Jesús.
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