And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28
My grandfather who lived to be 95 years old was a kind, humble, even-tempered man who would give you the shirt off his back. I don’t remember him yelling or arguing with anyone. I never heard him use profanity or treat someone harshly. “Scounbooger” the deliberate distortion of “scoundrel” was his word of choice for someone who dealt dishonestly. However, there was a phrase that he rarely said, but when he did, you knew he was finished with you. . . “Done me dirty”.
I think that meant my grandfather had turned whatever or whomever over to Jesus Christ. At that point, he was embracing Romans 8:28 and the situation no longer belonged to him. It now rested with Jesus who would intercede on his behalf before. . . Almighty God.
Now I know from my mom that my grandfather wasn’t a saint. . . but in my eyes. . . he is the only earthly father I ever knew. The love and wisdom he imparted to me will forever influence who I am and continue to help frame my worldview.
A recent experience caused me to remember the way my grandfather treated others. It also led me to ponder. . . as Christians, “How should we expect to be treated by one another?”
Christians—people professing belief in Jesus as the Christ and partaking in the religion based on His instructions (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). Mere human beings, full of imperfections who accepted salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice and choose to follow his teachings in thoughts, words, and deeds (1 John 1:9; Romans 2:1; Romans 3:23). Those who have been given eternal life because of God’s love. Individuals who are embraced in God’s grace, favor, and mercy all the days of their lives (Psalm 23)!
The Bible has much to say about who we are and how we should behave. There are thousands of detailed instructions for doing so, yet they can all be summarized into the Golden Rule. A name that was given to a principle that Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount. Where He said, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).
God bless. . . I am Wiley’s granddaughter.
