Richard Aberdeen
Member
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2026
- Messages
- 24
THE BEST IDEA: Jesus often gives us unique information that no one has taught previously. Many cultures have so-called "golden rules", but Jesus gives us the best idea: "Therefore, whatever you want people to do to you, do also to them; for this is the law and the prophets" Matthew 7:12.
Unlike many "golden rules", this is pro-active, teaching us to reach out and help, even if others do not act first towards us, rather than to just do no harm to anyone. And it is underscored by "for this is the law and the prophets", giving us our goal and purpose here on earth.
Most unfortunately for us all, those who insist on creating a religion out of Jesus, in doing so greatly obscure the fact that much of what he says is focused on human behavior; how we should treat other people. This is not a religion any more than basic laws and ethics are a religion. And, it shouldn't be all that surprising that history's greatest teacher would give us the best idea.
Shortly before being betrayed, Jesus says to his followers: "This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you" John 15:12. Note this command is singular and it greatly simplifies not only God's law, but basic human rights and the entirety of legitimate ethics. Additionally, this singular command simplifies the positive manner in which we all should conduct ourselves during our brief time on earth.
Paul explains this "great command" in the following way: "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, 'You should not commit adultery,' 'You should not murder,' 'You should not steal', 'You should not bear false witness,' 'You should not covet' and, if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law" Romans 13:8-10.
Love is also the fulfillment of what today is called Human and Civil Rights. Jesus in what is now called "The Good Samaritan" story, makes it very clear who are neighbor is, rather than just our immediate neighbors where we live Luke 10:25-37.
Unlike the great burden and complexity of religion and modern education, Jesus makes life simple and easy for sinners and the common people. Like Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and, you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" Matthew 11:29-30.
Unlike many "golden rules", this is pro-active, teaching us to reach out and help, even if others do not act first towards us, rather than to just do no harm to anyone. And it is underscored by "for this is the law and the prophets", giving us our goal and purpose here on earth.
Most unfortunately for us all, those who insist on creating a religion out of Jesus, in doing so greatly obscure the fact that much of what he says is focused on human behavior; how we should treat other people. This is not a religion any more than basic laws and ethics are a religion. And, it shouldn't be all that surprising that history's greatest teacher would give us the best idea.
Shortly before being betrayed, Jesus says to his followers: "This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you" John 15:12. Note this command is singular and it greatly simplifies not only God's law, but basic human rights and the entirety of legitimate ethics. Additionally, this singular command simplifies the positive manner in which we all should conduct ourselves during our brief time on earth.
Paul explains this "great command" in the following way: "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, 'You should not commit adultery,' 'You should not murder,' 'You should not steal', 'You should not bear false witness,' 'You should not covet' and, if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law" Romans 13:8-10.
Love is also the fulfillment of what today is called Human and Civil Rights. Jesus in what is now called "The Good Samaritan" story, makes it very clear who are neighbor is, rather than just our immediate neighbors where we live Luke 10:25-37.
Unlike the great burden and complexity of religion and modern education, Jesus makes life simple and easy for sinners and the common people. Like Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and, you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" Matthew 11:29-30.
