“Therefore, whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.” — Matthew 7:12
Jesus gives us a remarkably simple principle for how we should treat others: treat them the way we would want to be treated. Often called the Golden Rule, this command goes beyond merely avoiding harmful behavior. Jesus calls His followers to actively pursue the good of others.
It is easy to show kindness when people are kind to us. The greater challenge comes when someone is impatient, inconsiderate, or difficult. Our natural response may be to return the same attitude we receive. Jesus calls us to something higher. Instead of allowing another person’s behavior to determine ours, we are to let God’s love shape our response.
Jesus says this principle summarizes “the law and the prophets.” God’s commands concerning our relationships with others ultimately point toward genuine love—seeking another person’s good with the same concern we naturally have for ourselves.
Imagine how our homes, churches, workplaces, and communities would change if we consistently lived this way. Before speaking, we could ask, “How would I want someone to speak to me?” Before judging, “How would I want someone to respond to my weakness?” Before overlooking someone’s need, “What would I hope someone would do for me?”
Following the Golden Rule allows the character of Christ to become visible through ordinary interactions.
Choose one person today and intentionally treat them with the patience, kindness, respect, and grace you would hope to receive yourself.
Lord, help me treat others with genuine love and kindness.
Give me grace when people are difficult to love.
Let my actions reflect the character of Christ.
You believed. You were baptized. Then someone handed you a Bible.
And somewhere in the days that followed, a question started forming. Now what?Solid Ground is a short course in what Christians believe and why that answers that question. Thirteen chapters. Plain words. No assumptions about what you already know, and no talking down to you either. For personal or small group study (discussion questions included for every chapter).
If these devotions are beneficial to you and you are led to contribute, just click the “Buy me a Coffee” button above! Consider becoming a monthly member.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.