Jesus has been given the title of The Great Teacher by many people who
have studied and applied his teachings throughout history. The
surprising thing is that Jesus was not the typical philosopher or
preacher that people were used to. Unlike some other people Jesus tried
to make his advice understandable to the common man, sometimes using
stories or symbols, but always keeping his message simple,
straightforward and practical.
Jesus dealt with many aspects of human life but the one that he spent
longest on was the need for love. His focus was not just on the love for
our friends and family, but something much more challenging, a love
that tests every nerve and sinew.
"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."
(Matthew 5:44)
He spoke of a love for those who we want to hate, a love for those who
already hate us. This love requires effort, and strain, and every ounce
of self-command that man can summon up.
It is the easiest thing in the world to hate, to let the desire for
revenge grow in our hearts. Indeed vengeance may even have the shadow of
justice attached to it, but in reality it leads to dark, unadulterated
hate and a spiral of destruction.
To be truly happy we must rise above the bigotry and jealousy of others.
We must love even if we are hated for it. Love and do not hate, for
surely love is the only path to peace, freedom and happiness.
Sincerity
There were many people Jesus met who seemed holy in front of others but
who acted very differently when there was no-one watching. For Jesus it
was no good just pretending to love others, or pretending to control
our selfish instincts, we had to truly feel it in our hearts.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell
you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed
adultery with her in his heart.
(Matthew 5:27-28)
Forgiveness
For Jesus it was important not only that we try to reach these standards
of love and sincerity but also that we realize the occasions when we do
not.