What does God require of you in this commandment?

I must promote my neighbor’s good wherever I can and may, deal with him as I would like others to deal with me, and work faithfully so that I may be able to give to those in need.¹

1. Isaiah 58:5-10

   5You humble yourselves

   by going through the motions of penance,

   bowing your heads

   like reeds bending in the wind.

   You dress in burlap

   and cover yourselves with ashes.

   Is this what you call fasting?

   Do you really think this will please the Lord?

   6“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:

   Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;

   lighten the burden of those who work for you.

   Let the oppressed go free,

   and remove the chains that bind people.

   7Share your food with the hungry,

   and give shelter to the homeless.

   Give clothes to those who need them,

   and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

   8“Then your salvation will come like the dawn,

   and your wounds will quickly heal.

   Your godliness will lead you forward,

   and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.

   9Then when you call, the Lord will answer.

   ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

   “Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.

   Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!

   10Feed the hungry,

   and help those in trouble.

   Then your light will shine out from the darkness,

   and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.

   Matthew 7:12

   The Golden Rule

   12“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

   Galatians 6:9-10

   9So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

   10Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

   Ephesians 4:28

   28If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.