The Platinum Rule: be to others as Jesus is to me (Luke 6:27-36). Our natural tendency, when we are hurt or oppressed by others, is to respond in kind. Our default reaction to our enemies and to those who persecute us is an eye for an eye. But God calls us to a different response, to a better way. The golden rule that Jesus gives us is to do to others as you would have them do to you. This is choosing to treat them the way I would want to be treated, even if it is not what I feel towards them. A step further is to embrace what we might call the platinum rule: to be to others as Jesus is to us. It is overwhelming to think of all that Jesus endured for us because of His deep love for us (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). We can embody the platinum rule by praying for those who abuse us in words and actions, by blessing those who curse us, and by doing good to those who hate us.

Sermon from January 12, 2025

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