There is a lot of dialogue right now in many red-leaning states regarding posting the Ten Commandments in public schools. I won’t comment on this, as I choose to keep politics out of my work, as I honor people’s opinions even if I don’t agree with them. (but you are welcome to engage me one on one!).
When I read these news items, I often see comments recommending posting the Beatitudes.
Has anyone thought about posting the Golden Rule (“Do Unto Others…”), which is common among many major religions? I find great value in those simple words–Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You.
How about what Jesus called the greatest and second greatest commandments found in Matthew 22:36-40?
I’m not going to spell out those verses. YOU can open your Bible and read them!
What I AM going to do is to ask both you and myself some questions. Dig deeply if you must to answer them honestly.
The Greatest Commandment, according to Jesus: “Love the Lord Your God With All Your Heart and With All Your Soul and With All Your Mind”
- How does your life reflect your love for God?
- How do your words demonstrate your love for God?
- How can others SEE your love for God?
- Do you REALLY love God with all your heart, mind, and soul? Really sit with this one, and maybe write your thoughts in your journal.
- How can you grow deeper in your love for God?
The Second Greatest Commandment, according to Jesus: “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself.”
- How do you show love to your neighbors, meaning EVERYONE (the store associate who helps you, the person you pass on your daily walk, that person at your workplace who is always negative)?
- What are some ways you have shown love to people who have offended or hurt you?
- Even if you extend the proverbial olive branch, do you REALLY love the person?
- How do you demonstrate love on social media posts for others, even if you don’t agree with them or if they attack you? (Tough question!)
And let’s not forget that YOURSELF part!
- Do you realize self-love is healthy, as long as it doesn’t wade into the waters of conceit, snobbery, and narcissism?
- How do you show love to yourself–Your body, mind, and spirit?
- God loves you. God created you. God redeemed you. What’s difficult about loving yourself when you allow these truths to sink into your bones?
- Think of two new ways you can treat yourself with more love.
Loving God. Loving Others. Loving Self.
Seems like a healthy trifecta to me.
And perhaps one worth posting where many eyes can see it.
Amy Walton is a certified life coach and grief coach who now focuses solely on grief coaching. She’s also a professional corporate trainer for select EAPs and is at her happiest professionally while working with others to heal their grief and to learn how to use their bodies and breath to heal and to reduce stress… and to create greater self-love. Connect with her at amywaltoncoaching@gmail.com.
