I’m sure you’ve heard, “it’s a small world,” although the population is almost eight billion, I wouldn’t call that a teeny gathering. But here’s what’s so incredible, as many people as there are, we are all connected somehow; our actions affect each other like falling dominos. So, therefore, it’s foolish to think we live in isolation—me, mine, and no more.
God knowing our self-absorbed nature is probably why He mystically joined us. The sooner we realize our favorable and unfavorable actions affect one another and that what we sow, we will reap—the better we’ll be; perhaps a few boomerangs delivered to our front door could clarify the point. With that in mind, Luke 6:31 could be interpreted as a cautionary notice—treat people how you want them to treat you.
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them (ESV).
How often have we triggered distress in another person’s life by making decisions without thinking beyond our desires that our choices could adversely impact someone else’s well-being? That usually happens when we don’t adhere to God’s command to love one another. It doesn’t matter if people live on the other side of the ocean or next door; we are all linked together.
… thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these (Mark 12:30-31).
Am I my brother’s keeper?
In Genesis 4:1-9, after Cain murdered his brother Abel, God asked him where his brother was? Cain arrogantly responded, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”
If the LORD asked us about our fellow man, would we give the same flippant answer?
© 2022
See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.