Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Matthew 7 and Psalm 7

A while ago I mentioned “SPECK” as a model for reflecting on Scripture. This model invites us to consider whether our Bible reading identifies a Sin to confess, a Promise to hold onto, an Example to follow, a Command to obey, or some Knowledge to learn and believe. Well, Matthew 7 would certainly yield its fair share of commands. But none is quite as important and central to the Christian faith as v.12: “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.“

I find it fascinating that here Jesus identifies “doing to others what we would like them to do to us” as the very heart of the law and the prophets, whereas later, in Matthew 22, He says all that “all of the law and the prophets hang on” the commands to love God and love others. So which is it?

The truth is, there’s no contradiction there. Instead, read together, these two statements from Jesus show us that obeying the command to love others is as simple as treating them in the ways we would like to be treated. It’s being merciful to others. It’s being kind, compassionate and considerate towards others. It’s being patient, forgiving, merciful and gentle. It’s being generous and encouraging and self-controlled towards others. It’s really not complicated. Anyone can figure it out. We ask ourselves, “If I was in that person’s shoes, what would I hope someone would do for me or say to me?” and then doing it or saying it. It’s so simple. And yet, if everyone just did it, the world would be turned upside down and revolutionised! The Kingdom would come!

Life-Application: Be observant today. Look for an opportunity to identify with someone, and do for them what you would want done for you if you were in their shoes. Simple. And the Lord will be with you as you love others in this practical way today.