William Nunnally
A significant number of citizens of the United States are presently at odds with their neighbors and their government over a number of physical as well as spiritual topics. Likewise, the citizens of China are at odds with their neighbors and their government. The governments of all nations are continually concerned about citizen revolt and displeasure and seek to quell any rebellion. This has been the situation from early times in the Roman empire till the present communist government of China and the divided populace of the United States.
Both the Emperors of ancient Rome and the leaders of the Communist party in China were and are concerned about groups of citizens revolting against government rule and persecution of religious groups is the usual response to concerns about loss of authority or power. In the US, the populace is divided along lines of how much power the government should to use in enforcing the laws produced by the citizens representatives. This schism is really a rebellion against the government and fellow citizens who differ with the existing laws.
In all cases, the governments of dictatorial governments, even the government by the people for the people, want to promote peace and good relations between all citizens. The actions of ancient Roman emperors and Chinese Communist Rulers have chosen to imprison those that disagree with their rule using government decrees. One such decree is the banishment of religious affiliations and those meeting in religious groups, including Christians.
Government leaders fail to understand that Baptized Disciples of Jesus (BDOJs) or Christians are commanded to be the best citizens. Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment of the Biblical world and responded: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” The second greatest commandment is the embodiment of the last six of Moses’ Ten Commandments.
Love your neighbor as your self is the Biblical foundation for harmonious cultural relations is not well understood or employed because of the diversity of the meaning of the word “Love”. Biblical neighborly love is not an erotic relationship and it is not brotherly or family or tribal relationship. The Greek word most (>98%) translated as love in the New Testament is Agape which is a relationship that is implemented by the heart, the soul, the mind and the strength of a disciple.
Agape love is a decision of the disciple’s will to treat every soul as they themselves want to be treated or the “golden rule”. Agape Love is “equality love” in that the disciple is to consider the needs of the other soul as his or her own. Agape Love is also the “tough Love” of the parent child relationship in which the parent seeks the best interest of the child. The parent does not give the child everything the child desires but gives the child what is best and warns the child of things that are detrimental to their long-term health and welfare.
So why is a Baptized Disciple of Jesus (BDOJ) commanded to be the best Citizen? Jesus commissioned his disciples to “go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, AND teaching them to obey everything I have commanded.” Obviously, unbaptized disciples are not obeying everything Jesus commanded his apostles. Obeying Jesus directions is the baptized disciple of Jesus charge in every situation, including relations with every neighbor soul.
What are Jesus’ and His apostles’ directions regarding government and neighbor relations as a citizen?
Jesus speaking in Luke 20:21-22
21 So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22 Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 23 He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. 25 He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Jesus speaking in Matthew 5:43-48
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Peter speaking in 1 Peter 2:13-17
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
BDOJ neighborly behavior has been the foundation of Americans since the Pilgrims arrival AND is the only way to bring citizen relationships back into harmony. Following Jesus commands to the apostles enables BDOJs to remind all of God’s wrath on judgment day while proclaiming the salvation available through Jesus words, crucifixion and resurrection. After all, the main task of government is to promote peace and harmony among citizens which provides opportunity for souls to connect with Almighty God.
“Love your neighbor as yourself” Scriptures
“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.