Jesus summarizes all we've heard today: "in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12). This is the so-called Golden Rule. Some wit observed, "he who has the gold makes the rules." That's true: all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18). He has the gold, and he makes the rule.

Now, where does it apply to your life and relationships? Who is your problem person this week? If you want that relationship to get better, here's what you do: seek reconciliation, taking the initiative. Stop the cycle of revenge and vengeance. Instead, pray for God to bless them. Refuse to criticize them. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love those who hate you, and you will have no enemy. Relate biblically.

Now I must tell you how God has used this study in my life this week. I have had to write two letters, neither of which I would have written if I had not spent the week with these passages. You would not know them or their situation, so I'll not describe them. But I want you to know that God's word works. There is a wonderful sense of release, burden lifted, joy given when we forgive, and when we seek forgiveness. When we relate biblically, loving our neighbor as ourselves.