Promoting Others

Our Heidelberg Catechism teaches in Q. 111 that I break the eighth commandment when I do not “promote the advantage of my neighbor in every instance I can or may; and deal with him as I desire to be dealt with by others.”

Do you seek grace to obey Jesus’ Golden Rule, “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Mt. 7:12)? Did you ever realize that you are actually stealing when you do not treat someone with kindness, love, and honesty?

Are you quick and ready to help others? Do you enjoy serving others?

I don’t mean only through acts of helpfulness and words of kindness. What about your thoughts? Are you praying for grace to obey Philippians 4:8, “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”?

And what about your prayer life? Are you praying regularly for your parents? Your brothers and sisters? Your pastor, office-bearers, and congregation? Your government? Your friends, and yes, your enemies too?

Matthew Henry said that the best gift we can leave others is “a treasury of prayers.”

Did you ever realize that you can steal from others when you pray only for yourself?

Pray for grace to “promote the advantage” even of those who appear to dislike you. Pray for strength to obey Christ’s command: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Mt. 5:44).

“But how can I ever do that?” you ask.

Not in your own strength. Only in the strength of that Christ who obeyed the eighth commandment perfectly. He calls to you: “Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart” (Mt. 11:29).

— JRB

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:38:48

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