2 of 3 Simple Rules

The Second General Rule reads in part: "By doing good; by being in every kind merciful ... as they have opportunity, doing good of every sort, and, as far as possible, to all ..."
Jesus said, "I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you" (Luke 6:27-28).
Bishop Rueben Job writes: "That is, doing good is not limited to those like me or those who like me. Doing good is directed at everyone, even those who do not fit my category of 'worthy' to receive any good ..." (pg 37).
The admonition to do no harm, but do good did not stop with Jesus - praise God. The Apostle Paul wrote, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse ... as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:14, 18). This will not be easy as you can imagine. It seems we all have our prejudices. Some folks, especially those of the World War II era, despise Germans and others feel that Japanese deserve none of their "good deeds." We have derogatory nicknames for almost every race, nationality, religion, and cultural group. But we are designed to do good! Jesus said, "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good [deeds] and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Regardless of what another nation(ality) has done to you or your family, you are intended and expected to do good. Try it; you just might like it!
Bishop Rueben Job writes: "These first two rules are important and bring immediate results; but without the third rule, the first two become increasingly impossible" (pg 48).
Until next time, practice the first two rules and let me know what "immediate results" you experience.