Do Unto Others. Luke 6:31-36. 10/20/24.
Do Unto Others
Luke 6:31-36
Rev. Dr. Rhonda Blevins
October 20, 2024
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive payment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
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Dr. Brene Brown tells a story in her book, Braving the Wilderness, about a village in which all the women washed clothes together down by the river. Then each woman in the village got a washing machine. But suddenly there was an outbreak of depression among the women of the village, and no one knew why.
Did the washing machines cause the outbreak of depression? No, not exactly. What do you think was the cause? The cause was the isolation, the lack of spending time with one another, the absence of beloved community.
You see, each of us carries within our hearts two deep needs that require others to fulfill. When these needs go unmet, we feel the weight of loneliness and isolation:
1. The need to be known and loved intimately by someone—whether a friend, partner, or family.
2. The need to belong, to feel that we are part of a community or group where we are accepted as we are. When this sense of belonging is absent, it creates lasting pain.
I used to think that when Jesus issued “the golden rule”—do unto others as you would have others do unto you—that it was just a moral code (one shared by all major world religions, by the way). But the more I grew to know Jesus, I began to discover that Jesus didn’t issue a bunch of rules that his followers had to obey for the sake of having rules. Rather, he had reasons for his rules.
Here are a few examples:
· “Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37): Holding grudges only harms you, while forgiveness brings freedom and healing.
· “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1): Passing judgment leads to division, but humility and understanding build stronger relationships.
· “Turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39): Responding to violence with peace breaks the cycle of retaliation and promotes reconciliation.
· “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’” (Matthew 5:37): Integrity and honesty simplify communication, fostering trust in relationships.
So, when it comes to “the golden rule”—"do unto others as you would have others do unto you”—do you think this is just some moral code? A rule for the sake of having a rule? No way! “Do unto others” is how we:
Build mutual respect. When we treat others with kindness and fairness, they are encouraged to reciprocate, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Reduce conflict. When we consider how we want to be treated, we are less likely to act in harmful or selfish ways, which helps prevent misunderstandings and tensions.
Strengthen relationships. Practicing empathy and consideration fosters trust and deepens connections with others, strengthening personal and professional relationships.
Promote social harmony. When everyone follows this principle, communities become more cooperative and compassionate, reducing divisions and promoting unity.
Encourage personal growth. Following the Golden Rule requires self-reflection, helping us become more mindful, compassionate, and morally grounded in our actions.
When we practice the Golden Rule, we find ourselves on the pathway to a more just, peaceful, and caring world. It benefits others for sure. But you know who else it benefits? Us!
This is why I chose this theme for the current sermon series: “Do Unto Others.” It’s practical wisdom that our world needs right now.
But here’s something ironic: when I planned this sermon series a couple of months ago, I imagined that in October, most of our minds would be occupied with something. Can you guess what? The presidential election. And then the unimaginable happened . . . our community, our church facilities, and many of our automobiles and homes were devastated by the one-two punch of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
If you’re like me, I haven’t forgotten that there’s an election, but my attention has focused on recovering from the storm. Since September 26, I haven’t been caught up with national politics; I’ve been caught up in a local crisis. Since September 26 here in Clearwater, Florida, we don’t care if our neighbors are republican or democrat, because we recognize we’re all swimming in the same muck. Helene didn’t strike only red homes. Milton didn’t target only blue homes. No, we are one community, and our community is hurting.
If there’s a bright spot in all of this suffering, it’s seeing people come together, helping one another, “doing unto others.” I’ve witnessed this first-hand! I bet you have as well.
With that, I want to invite a few of you to share a kindness you’ve witnessed over these past few weeks . . .
I’m so proud to be your pastor. From my perch, I get to witness extraordinary acts of kindnesses that you extend to one another, as well as to your neighbors and to your community. You are a “do unto others” people. That’s who you are, and I love that about you.
But I would do you a disservice if I didn’t also offer this observation in this moment. Yes, you are a “do unto others” people. You are the “doers” of kindness. It seems to me that it’s harder for the vast majority of you to be the “do-ee.” By that, I mean that you prefer being the helper instead of the helped. And I get that. I truly do.
With that, I want you to consider the idea that by allowing your friends, your neighbors, your community to help you when your proverbial “ox is in the ditch,” you foster community. You strengthen relationships. By allowing others to come to your aid when your “ox is in the ditch,” you’re allowing yourself to be vulnerable. And according to Dr. Brene Brown, when we let ourselves be vulnerable, we open the door to deeper connection, love, belonging, empathy, and creativity. This vulnerability is the foundation for courage and building stronger bonds.
Today’s message is entitled “Do Unto Others.” That’s excellent wisdom. But there’s a part b to this message: “let others do unto you.” So, offer kindness AND let others offer kindness to you. It will be good for you both!