Living the Golden Rule #2345

“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12, NKJV).

Kingdom citizens are the Father’s children who receive “good things” from His hand in answer to our childlike prayers (Matt. 7:7-11). Whether we are falsely judged or suffer any other ill-treatment, God’s children do not “return evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, blessing” (1 Pet. 3:9). The Law and the Prophets taught Israel to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18; Isa. 1:21-23). Solomon’s proverb reminded them (and us) not to deal with others out of vengeance or to “settle the score.” He wrote, “Do not say, ‘I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work’” (Prov. 24:29). This “Golden Rule” urges every disciple of Jesus to look inward before acting outwardly. Our words and treatment of others should reflect how we want others to treat us. For example, our judgments will be righteous, not hypocritical (Matt. 7:1-5). We will love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us for our faith (Matt. 5:43-48). We will turn the other cheek and not retaliate (Matt. 5:38-42). We will recall our Father treats us with all kindness, mercy, and love. And in turn, we will reflect the nature of our Father by giving “good things” to others (Matt. 7:11-12).

The Golden Rule #1988

And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. (Luke 6:31, NKJV)

So said the Son of God, who was insulted, mocked, beaten, and crucified, even though He was totally without sin. He responded to His enemies with love as He spoke truth to them without fear or favor, as He wept over Jerusalem, and as He warned mourners on the way to Calvary. With a ready heart, He hung on the tree, praying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do,” later forgiving the criminal who asked for mercy (Lk. 23:34). All these and more show us Jesus lived the “golden rule.” Being mistreated does not give us the right to defame, mistreat, harm, or injure others. Respect for God of Father demands us to treat others as we wish others (and God) to treat us (Matt. 7:7-12). One thing we desperately need to stem the tide of disrespectful, angry, hateful, sinful treatment of others is respect for God. That will translate into respecting others. The golden rule is not about retribution, but repair. It is not about hurting others before they hurt you. It is not about dominating others; it is about caring for and helping others. The world (system of evil that opposes God) does not operate by this rule. But Christians must because it is our Father’s world and our Father’s will (Matt. 7:21, 24-27).