JESUS reduced the ten commandments to two. This second request prevents eight of the original ten happening for it states: "Love one another as I have loved you."

We are given freedom to follow or ignore it.

If you set out to deliberately offend or upset someone you are ignoring that request.

If you react to an offence from someone and hurt them, you too are guilty of the same charge. Result, someone is hurt.

We read of incidents in The Northern Echo regularly of disputes arising between two people or two groups and in the world arena between two or more nations when millions suffer. Freedom brings responsibility.

Following our Lord's advice is not always easy and can be difficult at time but I'd much rather try my best to follow it then bring about misery caused by ignoring it.

How about you?

Jack Else, Marske-by-the-Sea.