There is some question as to what Jesus actually said but I feel there is enough correct information in the Gospels to obtain the spirit of his message of love. While it sounds good, the message is a very difficult one. It seems many who profess to follow these teachings seem to miss his teaching's core message. Jesus focused on how one should live their life rather than splitting hairs on theological points. Focusing on these split hairs results in missing the overall message.
Examples:
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
Luk 6:21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
Luk 6:24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.
Luk 6:25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
Luk 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Luk 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Luk 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Luk 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
These are some rather radical teachings. Jesus apparently feels God favors those who are poor over those who are rich. He also seems to hang around the "trashy" people in his society. He not only says you are suppose to be nice to others, he says you are suppose to love them even the ones you hate.
So how is one who professes to follow these teachings live his life in congruence with what Jesus says. I don't. I use rationalizations such as Jesus set the ultimate standard and he did not expect me to be as good as his example.
Example: Luke 10: 25-37. This is the Good Samaritan parable. You can read for yourself.
If I were to find a unacceptable looking stranger lying wounded on the street I would be hesitant to stop and help. What if this is a setup? I find being somewhat paranoid a good trait. If upon further examination it looked as if the person needed help, I would likely stop and give assistance. I would call an ambulance and wait until it arrived. I would watch as the ambulance drove off and then proceed on my way. I don't see myself doing more than this. I believe in most circles this would be an acceptable response to the situation. I certainly would not go to the hospital and offer to pay his medical bills. I would not assist in finding his family or helping find somewhere for him to go for his recovery. I would depend on the hospital and their social worker to provide this assistance. It would not be my problem.
What grade would I give myself using Jesus' parable as an example? I did stop, I gave some aid and then washed my hands of the situation. I guess a C, maybe C- would be a fair grade. In high school I was completely satisfied with a C grade.
I don't know but Jesus made not be so impressed and give me a D. The Good Samaritan not only paid for the person's medical care but provided for his residence during this recovery at a considerable cost. He even planned to return and make sure he was doing okay. Now if I were rich it might be different and the cost would not be an issue. Of course, if I were rich I would probably be more like the Priest and the Levite.
Of course, I do not profess to be a good Christian. I am sure there are people who would score an A+ just not many. If this country is a Christian nation (we could debate that issue) then why aren't people more helpful to those who are suffering.
Three Jesus Suggestions:
1) Appreciate what you have.
2) Let God be the judge, disagree but don't judge.
3) Give the other guy a break.
I find these to be sure ways to greatly reduce the stress and live a happier life when I follow them.
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