Do Unto Others
As I write this article I am moved to share the words of someone else. First, I am a Christian. Second, what my friend has to say will explain the heart of Jesus of the Bible and what my friend and I, and all who are believers in Jesus Christ are called to model. You see, Dan Owens is approaching his final days due to an incurable cancer. He is now home in California from Stanford University Hospital and with his family. I asked if I could share his heart when it comes to caring and loving others and how to share our faith in Christ as well. As I have recently performed two funerals this summer and walking through another friend’s incurable cancer locally, I feel the urgency to encourage those around me with the profound words of a dying man. What you will read on from here comes from Dan Owens, a husband, a father, an author, and a lover of all people around the world.
“In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you…” Matthew 7:12
Treat people as you would want to be treated. How do we do this? I give you three points to remember.
Look at every human being as one who was created in the image of God. God’s image is stamped on everyone we come in contact with because they have the power to reason, to imagine, to create, to will and to love. Treat people with kindness always because they are the image of God, and the light of Christ will shine from you.
Love others not with emotions only, but with your will. To love is to will the good of the other person. Treat them as you would like to be treated. To love is to want what is best for the other just as Christ wants what is best for us. People are not accustomed to that kind of love, but are greatly attracted to it.
Listen to the people around you as you would want to be listened to when sharing your life and experiences. Listening shows that we respect the other person. This opens the door for deeper relationships, which in turn provides opportunity to share the Love of Christ.
If we would just live out this one command, “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you…” there would be no end of opportunity to share God’s love in a world that desperately needs Him.
May Jesus use you to be a light in the world.
Sincerely,
Dan Owens
Back to my own thoughts, I hope these words are as encouraging to you as they have been to me as a Christian. I also hope that if you are not a Christian Dan Owen’s words would help you to understand what the Bible says about how Christians should live in this life. Either way, my hope is that you are encouraged today.
Dan
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