The Royal Rule

Read James 2.

Discuss:

Don't let the opinion of others influence your faith. Our faith walk is not supposed to be about doing things to please other people or to "look good" or to get a better "position". James gives an example of a rich man and a homeless man entering a church. Would you usher the rich man to the "best seat in the house" and ignore the homeless man? Our motives matter. We can make ourselves look great by serving others but if our serving has strings attached or is covering up a selfish motive it will not please God. Jesus should be the reason behind everything we do.

The Royal Rule - Loves Others As You Love Yourself.

Jesus loved the down & out. He ate with them. He hung out with them. He entrusted his church into their hands. By today's standards Jesus' disciples would probably be labeled "losers". They had no homes, they didn't hold down regular jobs. They didn't ride the nicest camels. (Okay I couldn't help myself there). The point is ........... Jesus saw something in them that the rest of the world didn't. Just like Jesus sees things in you that others don't always see. We will only see these things in ourselves and in others when we walk and talk and act in LOVE. Talk and act like a person exepcting to be judged by this rule. Love Others. This is the rule that sets us free. If you refuse to act kindly you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy will beat harsh judgment every time.

NOW GO & DO! LOVE OTHERS. YOUR MOTHER, YOUR FATHER, YOUR SISTER, YOUR BROTHER, YOUR FRIENDS, YOUR ENEMIES, THE HOMELESS PERSON ON THE STREET, THE BULLY, THE LONELY, THE LOST. LOVE THEM ALL.