12-23-2017, 03:15 AM
(This post was last modified: 12-23-2017, 03:20 AM by loostudent.)
(12-20-2017, 04:28 PM)Namasteneko Wrote: ... the point is more to.illustrate the need for love and acceptance of neighbors (all beings) than hatred, animosity, or ill will toward them.
That is much easier task than trying to persuade someone that distinction between persons or anything is just an illusion. What you wrote above is also practical and central theme in the teachings of Jesus. If someone is a Christian this should be already clear to him/her. Why even the need to explain?
As a Christian I would stress out two Bible quotes. The first is about perfect (universal and unconditional) love and compassion:
Quote:Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.
If you love those who love you, why should you be commended? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, why should you be commended? Even sinners do that. If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, why should you be commended? Even sinners lend to sinners expecting to be paid back in full. Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have a great reward. You will be acting the way children of the Most High act, for he is kind to ungrateful and wicked people. Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate.
(Luke 6,31-36)
You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor, and you shall have hatred for your enemy.'
But I say to you: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. And pray for those who persecute and slander you.
In this way, you shall be sons of your Father, who is in heaven. He causes his sun to rise upon the good and the bad, and he causes it to rain upon the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Do not even tax collectors behave this way?
And if you greet only your brothers, what more have you done? Do not even the pagans behave this way?
Therefore, be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect."
(Matthew 5,43-48)
The second quote is about how you treat others (especially those in need, poor, unimportant) is directed to God:
Quote:Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’
(Matthew 25,34-40)