John Wesley said, “Confirm your love towards one another, and towards all men. And love them, not in word only, but in deed and in truth. "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." This is that royal law, that golden rule of mercy as well as justice, which even the heathen Emperor caused to be written over the gate of his palace; a rule which many believe to be naturally engraved on the mind of everyone that comes into the world. And thus much is certain, that it commends itself, as soon as heard, to every man's conscience and understanding; insomuch that no man can knowingly offend against it without carrying his condemnation in his own breast.” (From Wesley, Sermon 30, “Upon Our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount,” text from the 1872 edition - Thomas Jackson, editor)
Ask yourself: Wesley notes that the Golden Rule calls for “mercy as well as justice.” Is there any relationship in which I need to stretch, to grow beyond justice and treat someone else better than justice would demand that I treat them?
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