The Golden Rule

Today's popular version of the Golden Rule might go something like this: "Do unto others before they undo you!" - a sure sign of a society preoccupied with itself.

Focusing on the needs of others. That's fairly difficult when you're wrapped up in yourself. But for the Christian, the Golden Rule provides a ready remedy.

"What we would want others to do to us, either in justice or love, if they were in our condition and we in theirs - that is what we must do to them. We must treat them as we should desire and justly expect to be treated ourselves.

We must give to those in need, to everyone who is a proper object of charity, who lacks necessities which we have the means to supply.

Give to those who are not able to help themselves. Christ would have His disciples always ready to distribute what is within their power in ordinary cases, and beyond their power in extraordinary ones."Matthew Henry

Living by the Golden Rule means your treatment of others is based on how you want to be treated in return.

Do you desire good? Of course! Then give good. Do you want other to forgive? Absolutely! Then be quick to forgive.

But here's the hard part: It is immaterial whether others actually treat you well or forgive you promptly. The point of the rule is: How would you want to be treated?

The Golden Rule was not given to society in general: that might explain its rather tarnished image. Rather, it was issued to the only group of people who were empowered to keep it - the people of God!

Whom do you know that needs a golden touch today? He or she may be surprised to learn that someone remembers the original rule, which is untarnished and still shines.

Luke 6:31
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. King James version

Do to others as you would have them do to you. New International Version

Do to others as you would like them to do to you. New Living translations

See BibleGateway

Michelle