All this week we’ve been thinking about Jesus’ words in Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” This verse takes a second to say, and a life-time to try to live out. But since these worthy words are from the lips of King Jesus, it’s definitely a noble and … Continue reading A helping hand
Author: Matthew Ruttan
Guessing at people’s motives
This week we’re considering Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” It can be tempting to over-simply this idea. That’s what we do when we say it’s “just about being nice.” Well, being nice is good—but it steers us away from thinking more deeply and intentionally about how to … Continue reading Guessing at people’s motives
Honest, but not cutting
This week we’re spending some time with Jesus’ words in Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” It’s the principle of moral reciprocity. Living it out is a life-long effort. To fight against the tendency to oversimply this high ethical calling, we’re taking some time to think through a … Continue reading Honest, but not cutting
Other people’s opinions
This week we’re going to spend some time with Jesus’ words in Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” We’ve all heard it before. In fact, we’ve heard it a lot. It even has broad-based appeal among those who don’t believe in God. Here’s the risk with this verse. … Continue reading Other people’s opinions
Doing unto others—together
There’s a story about two brothers. They farmed together, split the work, and split the profits. Each had their own granary. One of the brothers had a family—he was married with some children. The other brother was single. One day the brother who was single and lived by himself thought: ‘If is not fair that … Continue reading Doing unto others—together
Divisive times
The other day I was thinking about how political a certain issue has become. Why does everything have to be so politicized? Why can’t people respectfully and graciously disagree about something without painting the other person as an enemy? But you and I don’t have to get sucked in to that approach as if it was … Continue reading Divisive times
Hope is a… pillow?
I realize that equating hope to a pillow sounds a bit too cutesy, so just hear me out. William Gurnall lived in the 1600’s and wrote about the relationship between hope and patience. If we have reasons to hope we are more likely to be patient: “patience is the back where the Christian carries his … Continue reading Hope is a… pillow?
Aiming ammo at allies?
Neil Anderson fought in the Second World War. His unit was facing what was known as the Siegfried line, a set of defence fortifications facing German’s border with France. Looking out over the landscape it seemed harmless. But a keen eye determined that what looked like a normal barn was actually a well-camouflaged bunker housing … Continue reading Aiming ammo at allies?
You don’t have to be Jesus
Jesus summoned Peter to follow him even though he was imperfect. One of the reasons we relate to Peter so well is because he messes up—just like us! Peter is a reminder that we follow Jesus faithfully, not perfectly. In Luke 5 Jesus told Peter to throw out his nets for a catch of fish. … Continue reading You don’t have to be Jesus
Because you say so
“When [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets’” (Luke 5:4-5). I find great inspiration and comfort from Peter, … Continue reading Because you say so
