Such was the teaching of Jesus concerning our association with our friends and fellowservants. But Jesus's teaching of love and reconciliation did not stop there. It is our duty--since we all want God to bless and favor us--to love even our enemies, and those whom we are by nature prompted to hate. For, said Jesus, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy {217} neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven; for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." [Sidenote: The Golden Rule.] So, then, it appears that the practicing of the Golden Rule makes a large stride toward perfection. We should do good to all, forgive all, love all. Then can we come in strength before the Lord and plead for patience and forgiveness. "He prayeth best, who loveth best All things both great and small; For the dear God who loveth us, He made and loveth all." Jesus put it thus: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." THE REFERENCES Matt. 18:15-17. Matt. 5:43-48. Matt. 18:21-35. Matt. 7:12. {218} THE QUESTIONS 1. Why could not Jesus be content to teach merely "don't"? 2. Of what does the doctrine of reconciliation consist? 3. What is the proper attitude of a citizen of the kingdom toward his fellow-citizens? 4. How often should one forgive an offender? 5. How does the parable of the unforgiving servant show why we should forgive our fellowmen? 6. What should be the attitude of a citizen of the kingdom toward his enemies? 7. What is the meaning of tolerance? 8. Show how the Golden Rule may be made to enrich your own lives and make them happier. {219} {220} PICTURE: THE GOOD SAMARITAN, Van Diepenbeek {221} XXIX THE GOOD SAMARITAN [Sidenote: The law of love.]