I like the thoughts here. However, I sort of turn the Golden Rule around a little bit. I sort of use the “Five Love Languages” as a basis here. Loving others exactly the way we would like to be loved can sort of miss the point. We would want people to love us in ways that are meaningful to us (not in a self-centered way). Therefore we should love others in the ways that are meaningful to them. This makes the Golden Rule that much deeper as we need to truly strive to seek out who the other person is and love them in their “love language.”
Of course the negative version can also be helpful (especially with kids). “Would you want someone to treat you that way? Then don’t treat them that way.”
In Christ,
Mark Eb.

Scot,
I have long come to believe that the primary attribute of God is restraint — without his amazing restraint, we would not continue to exist. As I read today’s chapter, and pondered your lists, I saw that being like Jesus is truly to be restrained! Instead of knee-jerk reactions to what is going on around us relationally, we are to stop and consider the context and the desired outcome. And then act appropriately, according to the Jesus Creed!
Along with that I have come to believe (over the past 15 years) that Hersey and Blanchard’s model of “Situational Leadership” was birthed as an insight into how God leads: not according to where or how they (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) want to lead us, but according to our readiness level for following their lead.
This comes out most often these days with my three young sons. When I focus on MY plans, I tend to be disappointed that they are not all carefully following my steps. But when I work with each one of them according to ability to see, understand and respond to my plans … well, it’s a whole different story.
How grateful I am that God leads me according to my ability to follow. This is another point at which “The Shack” spoke powerfully to me. I can’t remember off the top of my head which “person” of God had this conversation with Mack, but the gist was: when God works with us, there is no sense of impatience when we don’t quite get it right. There is only love that waits and forgives and tries again … and again … and again. Because that is what a good father does: not give up!
Mark,
I’ve also embraced the “Five Love Languages” as an important filter for how we are to apply the Jesus Creed. I’ve processed it in connection with understanding the Hebrew concept of hesed (most often translated as love, grace, mercy) as covenant keeping — which I have now come to realize is “living the Jesus Creed.”
I have made a chart that helps me keep my brain wrapped around this. You can find it here, if you’re interested:
http://scriptorium.wikidot.com/local–files/start/HesedR.doc
Not only do we need to love people in their primary language, we need to become fluent in all the languages so that we all become “multi-lingual” — recognizing that we all have the need to be loved in each of the five categories.

Peggy,
That’s a neat and nice chart.

Scot,
I noticed that the link (as posted here) doesn’t work. It is because the two dashes between “local” and “files” were turned into one longer dash. I’m sure you looked at the file from your e-mail of the post, which would have been correct.
So, if anyone else wanted to look at this chart, you will have to be sure that the link reads: …/local – - files/ (without the extra spaces, of course )
Thanks….

Peggy,
Thanks for the chart. That is really cool. Great work integrating the various sources. I’ll have to spend some time “wrapping” my brain around it.
In Christ,
Mark Eb.

Mark,
You are so welcome! Do take your time “wrapping” your brain around it — I spent, oh, 15 years making the synthesis….

Peggy, great chart! Detailed enough to inform our actions – short enough to memorize. Thank you. That’s really helpful.

Scot
1. Do you think anyone would cast aspersions on the character and behavior of others – ever – if they ever finished with themselves. Or is that the point? We never really finish with ourselves. Casting aspersions is pretty much out then, isn’t it?
2. I’m not sure what treading on the “pearls of our faith” would look like. Are you talking about sacrilege? Would that vary according to what is important to your faith community?