“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” – Matt. 7:12 (ESV)

The Greatest Commandment. The Golden Rule. The Golden Law.

It is found in the scriptures of the Abrahamic religions – Judaism, Christianity, Islam – and the writings of Ancient Egypt, Ancient Sanskrit, Ancient Tamil, Ancient Persia, Ancient Rome, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, to name but a few. It is, in short, embedded in every major world religion and philosophy.

A universal code of ethics, encapsulated in one very simple statement. No ifs, no buts.

In the Gospel of Luke, an expert in the Jewish law rephrases the Golden Rule, substituting the word “neighbour” for “others”. To which Jesus poses the question, “Who is my neighbour?”, and proceeds to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan.

For those unfamiliar with the parable, the Jews and the Samaritans were not exactly friends. Enemies is perhaps one way to put it. Yet the story Jesus relates is of a Samaritan assisting a Jew who has been beaten – and likely left for dead – at considerable cost to himself, setting any animosity and differences aside because he saw a fellow human in need.

Humanity… Humanitarian aid… Human rights…

Hatred of another human is not loving your neighbour.

Causing another human to fear you is not loving your neighbour.

Enslaving another human is not loving your neighbour.

Degrading or dehumanising another human is not loving your neighbour.

Torturing another human is not loving your neighbour.

Killing another human is not loving your neighbour.

Threatening to put another human into an internment camp is not loving your neighbour.

Threatening to deport another human who is simply seeking a better life, and potentially place them in danger, is not loving your neighbour.

This week, the majority of Americans have chosen Donald Trump for their next president. Naturally, those who voted for him are pleased “their man” won. Meanwhile their neighbours…

Well.

Many of those neighbours who also live inside the borders of America are now fearful. They fear his policies.

Us neighbours outside of America – neighbouring countries, the rest of the world – we’re worried. Both for all American citizens, and the wider world.

Those of us who pay attention to history are fairly sure we’ve seen or read about leaders like Trump. In different times and different places, and with different names, throughout history. There are certain personal characteristics, and a sequence to events. A blueprint, if you will. We’re fairly sure we know where things are heading.

I hope we’re wrong. I pray we’re wrong. For the sake of the world, and the sake of all my American friends.

But I’m quite certain we’re not wrong, and many all over the world think the same.

All I’m going to do, for now, is ask two very simple questions:

1. Who is your neighbour?

 2. What is loving your neighbour?

Perhaps you, dear reader, can ask them with me.

* Originally posted on Facebook towards the end of November 2024.