Reflections

Psalm 79:12
¹² Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times
   the reproach they have hurled at you, O Lord.

No one outright plans to do anything against God. But unfortunately it's done more often than not. The countries surrounding the people of Israel were being used to teach God's people over and over lessons they refused to get when the Lord tried to warn them. Whenever Israel would finally get it and repent of their ways, those who committed acts against them were then punished. How so? Babylon once a great power was demolished. Jezebel once a powerful queen who attempted to kill a great prophet of the Lord was prophesied against and killed, etc.

As followers of Christ, we have what is known as the Holy Spirit within us to steer us in the correct direction, if we are willing to listen. When we aren't willing to listen, God can use circumstances and the people around us to teach us the hard way what we weren't willing to learn when the Holy Spirit wanted to direct. But what we don't see is that actions committed against followers of Christ, like Israel, are not just seen as acts committed against people but against the Lord himself. Yes, if you've lied on someone, you lied on God. If you've deceived someone, you've attempted to deceive God. If you've hurt someone, you've also hurt God. We never see what we do or don't do as actions against God but they are. God gives us an opportunity to repent or sincerely apologize for our actions but when we refuse, we again bring more harm to ourselves. Jesus gave the first commandment greater meaning.

^{Matthew 22:37-39
37} Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^{[a] 38} This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.

This is why treating others the way you want to be treated is important. Treating others with love and respect is treating God with love and respect. Not, is to do the same unto the Lord. Our relationship with God is also reflected in our relationship with others. When our relationship with God is off, so is our relationship with others.