Welcome to Atheist Church

"But I say to you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And to him that smites you on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that takes away your cloak forbid not to take your coat also. Give to every man that asks of you; and of him that takes away your goods ask them not again. And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise. For if you love them which love you, what thank have you? for sinners also love those that love them. And if you do good to them which do good to you, what thank have you? for sinners also do even the same. And if you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what thank have you? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be you therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful" (Luke 6:27-36)

Notice this is only for "those that hear." If you are not a Christian, you will find it almost impossible to obey these admonitions, because "those who hear" are those who love God, and have therefore surrendered to His Lordship. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, those who love God are a reflection of the love of God.

If you love God you will love righteousness--something this world hates, so you will have enemies, those that hate you, those who curse you, and despitefully use you. You may even have people smite you on the cheek, and if that happens, don’t hit back. Show love and forgiveness, and if God sees fit to do so, He will do the hitting for you.

"The Golden Rule" is to treat others how you would like to be treated yourself. This entails giving when people ask you to give, and in doing so, you will be like your Father in Heaven, who is kind to the one who hates Him, denies Him, and blasphemes His holy name. Yet He gave those who are evil the gift of life. He gave health and strength, and the sun to shine on them and the rain to water their gardens. He is kind to the unthankful and to those who are evil. If the Christian gives to those who ask, God will give back to him. If his coat is taken, He will provide another. It is a win/win situation.

But there's a good reason that we should live in such a radically different way from this selfish world. It is so that those who are contentious will see that we genuinely love God and love them, and hopefully they will "hear," and in doing so, find everlasting life.