Dear Friends,
‘Christ is alive! Praise God that death could not hold him captive! Is this not the Easter proclamation? Is Christ not whom we focus on as life’s journey continues? As we reflect on the question of good and evil in our world; a world of reversed morality where egocentrism reigns with individuals valuing their own rights and privileges over and against the rights of others, and in the process, some become bitter, aggressive, and vindictive. Christ’s approach on the other hand is radical and counter cultural and one which as Christians we should embrace. Jesus told his then followers to love others as he had loved them. Not only that, but he also went further by telling them to treat others as they would want to be treated. Amazingly, Jesus put his own teaching into practice as he lived what he preached; we see him throughout his ministry mirroring God’s unconditional love and mercy in his treatment of others – he loved to the very end, right on to the cross, where he prayed that God would forgive those who caused him pain.
As Christians, Jesus encourages us to exercise that same quality of love for each other that he has demonstrated. He tells us to copy his example by not treating others as they treat us, but, as we would like them to treat us (Luke 6: 31). An African proverb says: Do not give to someone else a basket which you yourself cannot carry. So, friends, if there is something we would not like others to do to us, however undeserving they might be we should not do it to them. If we do not want to be knocked down, we must not knock others down. If we do not want to be pick on, we should not pick on others. If we want justice, we must seek justice for others. If we want to be loved, we should not spew out hatred, but extend love and mercy to others. If we want to be forgiven, we must forgive others. If we need affirmation, we must affirm others. If we feel hurt, wounded and broken, we must be gentle with others.
Friends, imagine the difference to our community and our world if this principle was honestly applied – It involves complete self-giving, not the me, me, me, systemic of today’s culture. Applying this to our living would of course be evidence of strength not weakness, bringing the best out of us. Taking things further if this principle is widely applied by individuals regardless of ethnicity, religious subscription, political affiliation, cultural and social constructs, the world would become a better place for everyone. Friends, as Easter people let us amid the darkness in our world, shine the light of Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions.
I leave you with the closing words from the blessing in this year’s World Day of Prayer (7-3-25) prepared by the ladies of The Cook Islands: Treat yourself as a precious and beloved child of God, and treat others as precious and beloved children of God. Amen! Amen! Amen!
Easter blessings
Irene
