Today’s readings: Jeremiah 30:18-22; Colossians 1:24–2:7; Luke 6:27-38

Growing up attending public school, we would start each day with the Pledge of Allegiance and then the teacher would say a prayer. No one had their feelings hurt. Telling someone you were a Christian was as natural as saying you were a Kentucky University fan. My parents reminded me to live by the “Golden Rule.” Anytime you mistreated someone you could expect, as part of the discussion, to be asked, “Is that how you want to be treated?” My, how times have changed.

Now the attitude is self-focused: “do unto others before they can do unto you,” or “do unto others, then split.” The idea behind these attitudes is to mistreat others, then get away before they can retaliate. This attitude can be seen clearly by going to your favorite discount grocery store. Few, if any, are patient; few consider the person who comes after them, and no one needs to remind us about today’s “parking spot” attitude.

The Beatitudes are filled with commands to love our neighbor. In today’s lesson from Luke, Jesus is clear. We are to love and treat others the same way that we, as children of God, want to be treated.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us this day to treat others with love and respect so that you alone may be glorified. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Steven King, Pastor of Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincolnton, NC.

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