“As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.”
Obadiah Said
The short book of Obadiah is a stinging rebuke to the nation of Edom, not for what they overtly did, but for what they did indirectly: for a failure to act, for smug attitudes, and for capitalizing on the wrong actions of others.
Even though they did not directly do wrong, the outcome is quite clear:
Paul Said
A few centuries later, Paul teaches the same lesson:
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
Hosea Said
Hosea phrases this in the positive:
“Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love”
Jesus Said
However, Jesus said it best:
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you…For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
More succinctly, in what we call the Golden Rule, Jesus also said:
“Do to others what you would have them do to you.”
Yes, good words to live by.
[Obadiah 1:11-15, Galatians 6:7, Hosea 10:12, Luke 6:37-39, Matthew 7:12]
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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