The Law And The Prophets

Matthew 7:12

Message No. 0711 | Twitter @GodandUs | www.wisdom-speaks.ca

One statement we often hear from people around us is, “it is not fair.” It could be that you are discussing politics or relationships, or other subjects. When the discussion is around relationships, I sometimes caution that we are not equally endowed. It is not possible to divide tasks equally, and any attempt to make sure this always happens will lead to frequent conflicts. I am not a relationship expert or counselor, but it perhaps suffices that each party does what he or she has the upper hand in doing, and each party should, in addition, make efforts to help, even if the task is outside their comfort zones.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, there is a principle that is laid down in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. This is the principle of justice and fairness, and the basic premise can be taken from Leviticus 24:19-21, which says:

'If a man causes disfigurement of his neighbor, as he has done, so shall it be done to him fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has caused disfigurement of a man, so shall it be done to him. And whoever kills an animal shall restore it; but whoever kills a man shall be put to death.

When Jesus was preaching the Sermon on the Mount, He echoed this in Matthew chapter 7 verse 12:

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

You will notice that Jesus only referenced the Law and the Prophets in general. When it comes to specifics, the institution of grace defeats revenge and the whole principle of tit for tat. We are not to seek or take revenge by any means, this is God’s prerogative. However, by His statement, Jesus is addressing the matter of expectations in relationships. If you want your neighbor to help you, then help your neighbor. If you want your sister to give to you, then give to your sister. If you want your pastor to pray for you, then pray for your pastor. If you want your friend to visit you, then visit your friend. Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.

If you do not live under the rock, you would have come across people whom you can correctly classify as entitled. They complain all the time about what the government is not doing for them, what their parents are not doing for them, what their siblings are not doing for them, what their uncles and aunts are not doing for them, what their friends are not doing for them, and the list goes on. Ask them what they are doing for others, and they open a whole new chapter about how they are not endowed with anything. They complain of not having money, not having time, not being able to drive the distance, not well enough or strong enough to do something. Yet, they believe that the other person has everything on earth and should be the one giving and providing and doing all the things they need done.

What people don’t get is, it’s not until you have the whole world that you should do something for someone else. You may not have money but if you sometimes buy something small for your sister, she will appreciate it and it will encourage her to give more. You may not have a car, but you can take a buss or other public transportation to visit a friend or your parents, and this will encourage them to visit you more often. Everything is not about money, a little care, even a phone call, goes a long way, and might open the door to God’s blessings for you. If all you do is complain about others, people will get tired of you, and you will be more isolated. Whatsoever you want others to do to you, do to them also. This is not just about fairness, this is God’s principle. Think deep today and ask yourself, how can I improve in this area?

PLEASE ACT NOW:

If you are yet to give your life to Christ, you do not have a covenant with God and His promises do not apply to you. To come under these promises, please surrender your life to Christ today, by praying this prayer:

Lord I know that I am a sinner and I am unable to save myself. I am sorry for my sins and I pray that you please forgive me. I am aware that Your Son Jesus died for my sins and I accept Him as my Lord and savior. I surrender my life unto you from this moment. Please take control of my entire being and help me to be obedient to your Word, going forward. Thank you, Lord, for hearing me. I have prayed in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you prayed the foregoing prayer, you have just been born again. Please find a Bible believing church in your area and ask to see the pastor. Let him or her know that you have just given your life to Christ and s/he will guide you on next steps in your journey as a child of God. The Lord bless you!

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