Here’s
a new rule for you. This will be your rule. Each one of you must love the
others, just like I have loved you. Love one another! (John 13:34)
Is it practical to have simple rules and to
be inclusive? In the real world, where you and your people do business, can you
follow this command of Jesus? In this world, where the extension of trust is
rare, rules are often used to limit risk. The costs of complying and of
documenting that compliance are usually passed along to some faceless user
downstream, and they’re justified as necessary to protect the public. In this
world there is a material benefit (an incentive) to being part of the group
that writes and follows all the rules because that group decides who will be
excluded.
Jesus provides a different way for those who
follow Him. He says, “love without limit.” (Just as I have loved you). He says,
“love fully!” There is no condition in the encouragement to simply, inclusively,
“love one another!” Following this regulation may mean that you must follow
many of the world’s rules to be able to love that other person. Obeying Jesus
may also mean you must break a rule sometimes.
But, the guidance you give your people – your rules should never be
designed to exclude others from your love.
Your role – the new rule – is simply to
love.
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