Following the teachings of Jesus

Hello All,

In the latest edition of Harper's Magazine there is an article entitled "Jesus without Miracles." The subtitle is, "Thomas Jefferson's Bible and the Gospel of Thomas." No matter what your personal beliefs are on miracles, the article has a list on what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
1. Be just; justice comes from virtue, which comes from the heart.
2. Treat people the way we want them to treat us.
3. Always work for peaceful resolutions, even to the point of returning violence with compassion.
4. Consider valuable the things that have no material value.
5. Do not judge others.
6. Do not bear grudges.
7. Be modest and unpretentious.
8. Give out of true generosity, not because we expect to be repaid.

The author, Erik Reece, goes on to say, "To live by Jesus' teachings would be to live virtuously as stewards of the land; it would be to create an economy based on compassion, cooperation, and conservation; it would be to preserve the Creation as the kingdom of God."

I would add that to live by the teachings of Jesus is to have compassion for our fellow travelers. But this compassion has to be more than an idea or pleasant thought. It must be lived. How do we have compassion for those who have hurt us or for those who are hurting? How do we bring them hope in their darkest hour? How do we live our beliefs?

I think the first step is to put ourselves in other's shoes. What a gift it is to offer compassion without judgement and hope in the form of a hug. In our own lives we may have a family member who is hurting and could use an understanding phone call or hug. This is how it begins. This lets someone know that they are loved no matter what. I think of Jesus protecting the woman who is about to be stoned. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone," he says. What compassion and non-judgemental action! Let us strive to do likewise.