Dallas Willard: Provision of Positive Goods

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So 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

“The love of which Jesus speaks addresses the provision of positive goods, not jut alleviation of painful conditions. This and the difference it makes are often missed by those who like to compare the teachings of Jesus to those of other religions. Our aim here is not to prove that Jesus is superior to other spiritual masters and traditions. But He really is different, and we should acknowledge it. Commonly, “Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you,” the Silver Rule, is equated with, “Do to others as you would have them do to you,” the Golden Rule, but they are vastly different applications.

The positive formulation is directed toward helping others by doing what is good for them. The negative formulation is directed toward avoiding harm. It might be that some, in practice, would do the same things under either formulation, but many would not. The Silver Rule is not directed toward the good of the other the way the Golden Rule is. The mind and heart are in a different place for those who would follow one or the other. The Golden Rule is devoted to the good of the lives of those around us, and this reaches far beyond the mere absence of harm. The “love” of Jesus not only reaches indiscriminately toward those with whom we are actually in contact, but it aspires toward a remarkable richness in their lives, not simply in the alleviation of their suffering.”

Dallas Willard in Knowing Christ Today: Why We Can Trust Spiritual Knowledge (New York: Harper One, 2009) 88-89.

During COVID-19, many people have real needs. How we as followers of Christ meet those needs with the “Golden Rule” aim of “provision of positive goods” will set Christianity apart our faith from other religions.

While we can’t meet most of the needs around us, let’s each assess what we have, such as food, time, money, or other items. From there, let us ask God how we might show God’s love to others with what we have.

This is our golden moment to shine! And remember, our shining is only as reflectors. Our role is to reflect the matchless love and abundant grace we receive from our Lord Jesus Christ.