‍The Basics

‍Matthew 22:37-40 (NET) Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

‍All of God's word (the law and the prophets... and the apostles) teaches relationship, of loving/relating to God and to those near us (neighbors).

‍Matthew 7:12 (NET) In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfills the law and the prophets.

‍We are to treat others as we would like to be treated. Or, better yet, treat others as if they were Jesus.

‍Matthew 25:45 (NET) Then he will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for me.’

‍Paul gives us the example of those of the Corinthian fellowship who were meeting for communion (Lord's Supper) but some were gluttonous leaving others to go hungry (harmed).

‍1 Corinthians 11:30-32 (NET) That is why many of you are weak and sick, and quite a few are dead. But if we examined ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned with the world.

‍A habitual refusal to obey the law, prophets, and apostles results in increasing discipline. For this reason, many of us are weak, sick, and some have died prematurely.

‍As a principle, then, when we repeatedly harm others physically, emotionally, or spiritually, in disobedience to God, we make ourselves susceptible to Father-God's discipline.

‍Are you weak, sick, or facing death? Stop blaming it on disease or medical conditions and look into your heart and how you relate to those near you. 

‍Galatians 6:7-10 (NASB) Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

‍Wives, submitting to and respecting your husband is not a discretionary option. It's mandatory, and compliance is not dependent on him fulfilling his obligations to you.

‍Husbands, loving your wife as you do yourself (treating her as your equal) and caring for her well-being is mandatory, and again, not dependent on her being compliant with her obligations.

‍Within the body, submitting to each other, honoring those God has placed in positions of authority, is not optional.

‍Jesus' sheep obey his voice; those who don't, He does not know.

‍Matthew 7:23 (NET) Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!’

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‍© 2025 Steve Bydeley.

‍All publishing rights reserved. Permission is herewith granted to reprint this article for personal use and to link or refer to it; however, no commercial re-publishing of the material in this article is permitted without prior written consent.

‍Steven is the author of Fathered by God and, with his wife Dianne, co-author of Dream Dreams and Dreams that Heal and Counsel. They have been featured as guests on the Miracle Channel, Trinity Television, and Crossroads Communication, and have taught various topics internationally.

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‍Without Prejudice. © 2025, Steven., house of bij de Leij., of man.