This message written by Father George Whiteside from the Episcopal church is something that I came across that gave me pause. Because we are “New Testament People,” it can be very pointed for us as Followers of Jesus.
As shared with many by George Whiteside:
“Some would think it’s not easy to summarize the Bible, but our spiritual upbringing can leave us with a consistent sense of what Jesus actually asks of us. It seems to clash with the white nationalism brand of “Christianity” that is happening in our country today. That said I wanted to see if my recollection was consistent with fact, so a bright idea came to me. I will ask AI a question “In a few paragraphs, if a person wanted to live their life by the commands of Christ, not the rest of the Bible, what would the core principles and actions consist of?”
Here is the response, of which I was refreshingly delighted, as it is consistent with what I learned through the preaching and community of my church life.”
“If this someone chose to live primarily by the direct teachings and commands of Jesus, as recorded in the gospels, focusing on what Christ personally taught and modeled, their life would center less on religious rule keeping and more on inward transformation expressed through love and mercy.”
At the heart of Christ’s teaching is love. Jesus summarized the whole moral life in two commands: Love God fully and love your neighbor as yourself. This love is not merely emotional; It is an act of goodwill towards others, including strangers, enemies, and those who cause harm. A person living by Christ commands would practice forgiveness, refuse revenge, and seek reconciliation wherever possible. Compassion towards the poor, the sick, the marginalized, and the society rejected would be essential, because Jesus consistently identified service to the vulnerable people with service to God.
Another central principle is humility and inner security. Jesus repeatedly warned against religious hypocrisy – performing goodness for statue or recognition. Prayer, generosity, and spiritual devotion were meant to be quiet, authentic acts rather than public displays. Such a life would emphasize self-examination, repentance, and the continual reorientation of one’s heart towards mercy, patience, and honesty rather than judgment of others. Moral focus shifts from external complianceself-examination, repentance, and a continual reorientation of one’s heart towards mercy, patience, and honesty rather than judgment of others. Moral focus shifts from externalcompliance to the inner motives; Anger matters as much as violence, lust as much as adultery, and integrity matterseven when unseen.
Christ’s teachings also call for radical forgiveness and non-violence. Turning the other cheek, loving enemies, blessing those who curse you, and refusing to repay evil with evil form a distinctive ethic. Trust in God replaces anxiety about wealth or status, therefore, generosity, simplicity, and detachment from material accumulation become practical expressions of faith. Many of Jesus’ parables portray a life oriented towards God’s Kingdom – valuing mercy over sacrifice, people over rules, and spiritual riches over worldly success.
Finally, living by Christ’s commands would mean active service and sacrificial love. Jesus modeled leadership as service, washing his disciples’ feet, and teaching that greatness comes through serving others. Followers of Jesus would strive to feed the hungry, welcome outsiders, pursue justice with compassion, and live in hopeful trust in God’s care. The goal would not be perfection through the law, but through action in the qualities Jesus himself demonstrated.”
As I am coming to the end of twenty years of pastoral ministry and I look back, I would have preached more and passionately on Matthew 25:35-36 “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” It is my spiritual goal to live out what Jesus commands of me. I will follow Jesus as He leads me. AMEN.
Pastor Gary
Claybanks United Methodist Church 