Do Unto Others

“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets." Matt 7:12
You have heard the saying: "what goes around, comes around." Others refer to it as karma. What really is happening is that when you treat others with disrespect they most likely will treat you in the same manner that you have treated them. It is human nature. People simply have a hard time showing respect for those who disrespect others. When people break the rules of society, there are usually consequences set in place by society as a whole. I dislike this word, karma, immensely. I think a better word for this might be justice.

"Depart from evil, and do good; so you shall abide forever. For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his faithful ones." Psalm 37:27-28

Show respect for others and they might show respect to you. Love others and you will be loved. Do good to all people that it may be well with you and them; that we might all live in harmony and peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Evil Begets Evil

Evil begets evil and darkness reigns.

“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets." (Matt 7:12 NIV)

You have heard the saying: "what goes around, comes around." Others refer to it as karma. What really is happening is that when you treat others with disrespect they most likely will treat you in the same manner that you have treated them. It is human nature. People simply have a hard time showing respect for those who disrespect others. When people break the rules of society, there are usually consequences set in place by society as a whole. I dislike this word, karma, immensely. I think a better word for this might be justice.

"Depart from evil, and do good; so you shall abide forever. For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his faithful ones." Psalm 37:27-28

Show respect for others and they might show respect to you. Love others and you will be loved. Do good to all people that it may be well with you and them; that we might all live in harmony and peace. And, in order for this "what goes around comes around" to stop that all might live with more peace Jesus said this: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." (Matt 5:38-39) If or when you are disrespected, when you are used, it is not necessarily as beneficial as you might think to get even with the person by doing the same to them as they have done to you. This will only perpetuate the vicious cycle of miserably dysfunctional living. Evil does produce more evil and darkness will reign. Sometimes it is necessary to stand up against evil; but, be sure that it is not vengeance that motivates you. Vengeance belongs to God.

It is wise not to get dragged into others' evil ways. Move on. Live life. Do what is right and just. Enjoy the gifts that God has given you and may He multiply your joy and your peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Value Others Above Yourself

Youth Choir at Zion Lutheran, Skanee sing to

help children in need at the Toys for Tots Concert.

According to their calendar, this year's concert at Zion is on Sun, Oct 30 at 2 pm.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

The world around us just seems to work a whole lot better when we look out for each other. We are not to be considering our own desires before the very real needs of others. They, in turn, ought to be looking to support us in our needs. Some call it is karma. Others might say that they have each others back. Others, still, call it love. Love is truly the summation of the law and the prophets. Without this loving concern for the welfare of others the world is in chaos. Look around you. Is your world filled with loving concern for others or filled with dissension because everyone is putting their selfish ambitions before the love of God and neighbor?

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matt 7:12

May God fill your life with caring neighbors even as He empowers you to be a good neighbor.

God's Peace - Pr. J