A curiosity: the dichotomy of the Golden Rule, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you".....Luke 6:31 (Amplified Bible)
31And as you would like and desire that men would do to you, do exactly so to them.
One the one hand, given the treatment I've received of late (gossip, meddling), does this Biblical exhortation grant me the right to return the favor to them?
Or, on the other hand, and more solemnly, is it an admonition for me to treat people with kindness and respect, regardless of what I receive?
Just thinking out loud...
Your post made me think of this:
ReplyDeleteHEAPING COALS OF FIRE ON THEIR HEADS
ROM 12:20-21 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
>>The scribes and Pharisees used this Scripture to teach, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy,"
PRO 25:21-22 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
>>Jesus corrected their perversion of the law by teaching the true meaning of love thy neighbor.
MAT 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;