| “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” |
| —Matthew 7:12 |
Over the years, I’ve heard several take offs on “The Golden Rule.” One suggests: “Do unto others before they do unto you.” Another insists: “Do unto others and then run away as fast as you can.” In both cases, the wags who formulated these distortions completely miss the point.
“The Golden Rule” is part of the three most important chapters in all of the Bible. Matthew 5, 6, and 7 contain the teachings of Jesus that Bible scholars call “The Sermon on the Mount.” The verses in these chapters represent the spiritually derived moral teachings of Jesus. They are hallmarks of the Christian walk. They give believers a clear pathway of behavior regarding a whole variety of subjects.
Among these clear teachings is Jesus’ instruction regarding our relationships with all other people. He tells us that, in order to properly represent Him, we must treat others in the same way we want them to treat us. Specifically, His words, as recorded in Matthew 7:12, state the following:
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Do we want others to treat us with kindness, generosity of spirit, and respect? Then, that is how we should treat others. Do we want people to act toward us without regard for the way we look? Then, that is how we should treat others. Do we want to be treated with honesty and fairness? Then, that’s how we should treat others.
Our treatment should not reciprocate the way others treat us. Rather, our treatment should set an example based on how we would like to be treated. In some cases, that may seem like a very tall order. But, if you think carefully about it, this teaching of Jesus has the potential for changing the tone and tenor of every interpersonal relationship.
As we begin another day, let’s determine to follow this “Golden Rule” in all our dealings with others. By treating other people the way we would like them to treat us, we move the entire nature of our relationships to a higher plane. And, as a result, everyone benefits.
Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, September 8, 2017
