Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 7:12
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From the Word: Therefore, whatever you desire that people would do to you, do the same to them also, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Table of Duties
Certain passages of Scripture for various holy orders and positions, warning them about their duties and responsibilities:
For Masters and Mistresses
Masters, act the same toward them. Refrain from bullying, knowing that both your Master and theirs is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him (Eph 6:9; Col 4:1).
Pulling It Together: It all goes back to the commandments. It always does, the greatest commandment encompassing them all. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment” (Matt 22:37–38). If we love God with our entire being, we necessarily love all that is ultimately his, including our neighbor. “And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt 22:39).
Therefore, even those whom society deems of lower station, God calls our neighbors. We are to regard them as we would want them to act toward us: with dignity and fairness. All of life is condensed into these similar commands of God. Love him and the people around us.
If you are a business owner, love God through fairness to those in your hire. Are you a manager or supervisor, then love God by treating those in your charge with dignity. In God’s estimation, there is no difference between the boss and worker. If you would have God honor the boss, the boss had better esteem the worker.
Prayer: Love through me, Lord, those whom I cannot love without you. Amen.
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Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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