Charity Toward All Chapter 12

The Golden Rule “Love your neighbor as yourself” Ties into the 5th Commandment Need to treat others with respect and love Violations of the 5th Commandment stem from a lack of love

Loving One’s Enemies Christ taught we need to have goodwill to all “Love your enemies” No real merit in just loving people who love you back Even people who do evil can do that Need to respond to wrongdoings with love, not revenge Doesn’t mean we need to feel like we love them Just need to truly love them Want the best for them

Killing Someone’s Spirit Can violate the 5th Commandment without harming someone physically We can hurt them spiritually/emotionally Anger Gets in the way of love and goodwill Makes us want revenge Makes us do things without thinking of the consequences “I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment” Mt 5:22 Cursing Hatred Wish evil on someone Opposite of love “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer” 1 John 3:15

Handling Mistreatment We should not strike back immediately when mistreated Should not harbor ill will either Should offer up mistreatment for their sanctification Follow Jesus’ example “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” Lk 6:27-28

Just Anger Jesus cleansed the temple Also known as righteous anger Helps us stand up for rights of defenseless i.e. working for the pro-life cause

Scandal Fully conscience and deliberate bad example or encouragement that could lead another person into sin Endangers someone else’s soul No greater lack of charity for another’s soul People who give scandalous examples are liable for the sins of those who they scandalize “it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea” Mt 18:5-6

Forgiveness Jesus taught need for forgiveness 7x70 “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34) We must follow Jesus’ example