November 5, 2024
Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
The golden rule has served as a guiding principle for many of us since childhood. Its simple yet profound lesson on how to treat others remains as relevant today as it was when we were younger.
The term "golden rule" refers to a specific principle found in scripture, delivered by Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount. This principle is found in the Gospel of Matthew:
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, see also Luke 6:31)
The term golden rule isn't actually used in the Bible, but it's become the common way to refer to the principle of treating others as one would like to be treated.
The golden rule is a simple yet powerful principle: treat others as you would like to be treated. It's about empathy and respect, considering others' feelings and preferences just as we value our own. This approach can guide us in various life situations, ensuring we offer the kindness and consideration everyone deserves.
The golden rule is more than a simple lesson from Sunday School or Elementary school. It's a significant piece of practical moral and ethical advice for our daily lives.
The Golden Rule expresses the spirit of the moral principles found in the Old Testament's laws, which Jesus alludes to in our verse today from Matthew 7:12. He placed 'love your neighbor as yourself' among the greatest commandments you will remember, second only to loving God with our heart, soul, mind and strength. The Golden Rule calls us in all aspects of life, to love our neighbor and to treat others as you would like to be treated. It even applies to how we should treat our enemies.
So that is the golden rule, now how do we live by it?
Well to answer this question perhaps we need, first of all, to consider the impact others have had on our lives. Think about those times when someone's kindness made a difference, they went out of their way to support you during tough times or showed patience and empathy during a disagreement. Of course thinking about the times when someone's words or deeds caused you hurt or pain can help us in shaping our own behavior towards others.
Secondly, paying closer attention to others not only helps us understand them better as individuals but also establishes greater empathy towards them. Being attentive also opens up opportunities for us to recognize when we can step toward them with acts of kindness.
Thirdly, practicing the golden rule encourages us to be thoughtful towards others, taking into account their viewpoints, emotions, and experiences. We might ask ourselves, "How can we show them compassion in a manner they would value?" or "How can we ensure fair and just treatment of others while also being kind?"
I wonder what would our communities, our country, our world be like if the golden rule were to become the norm. How might this approach to living, impact upon societal ills like food insecurity, homelessness, crime, addictions ....
Let us take the steps we need to take this week to do to others what we would have them do to us. Amen
The golden rule is a simple yet powerful principle: treat others as you would like to be treated. It's about empathy and respect, considering others' feelings and preferences just as we value our own. This approach can guide us in various life situations, ensuring we offer the kindness and consideration everyone deserves.
The golden rule is more than a simple lesson from Sunday School or Elementary school. It's a significant piece of practical moral and ethical advice for our daily lives.
The Golden Rule expresses the spirit of the moral principles found in the Old Testament's laws, which Jesus alludes to in our verse today from Matthew 7:12. He placed 'love your neighbor as yourself' among the greatest commandments you will remember, second only to loving God with our heart, soul, mind and strength. The Golden Rule calls us in all aspects of life, to love our neighbor and to treat others as you would like to be treated. It even applies to how we should treat our enemies.
So that is the golden rule, now how do we live by it?
Well to answer this question perhaps we need, first of all, to consider the impact others have had on our lives. Think about those times when someone's kindness made a difference, they went out of their way to support you during tough times or showed patience and empathy during a disagreement. Of course thinking about the times when someone's words or deeds caused you hurt or pain can help us in shaping our own behavior towards others.
Secondly, paying closer attention to others not only helps us understand them better as individuals but also establishes greater empathy towards them. Being attentive also opens up opportunities for us to recognize when we can step toward them with acts of kindness.
Thirdly, practicing the golden rule encourages us to be thoughtful towards others, taking into account their viewpoints, emotions, and experiences. We might ask ourselves, "How can we show them compassion in a manner they would value?" or "How can we ensure fair and just treatment of others while also being kind?"
I wonder what would our communities, our country, our world be like if the golden rule were to become the norm. How might this approach to living, impact upon societal ills like food insecurity, homelessness, crime, addictions ....
Let us take the steps we need to take this week to do to others what we would have them do to us. Amen
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