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b) The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)
MATTHEW 7:12
12 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 22:36-40; Romans 13:8 10; Galatians 5:14)
Did you know that God loves you, answers your prayers, frees you from your jealousy, delivers you from the effects of your worries and rids you of your exaggerated insensitiveness into a wholesome life of peace, service and purity? In response to this great love, do not think of yourself first. Change your thought and look attentively at the condition of your kindred. As much as you love yourself, so give your time and money as a sacrifice for others. Look at Christ who has given Himself completely for sinners. With His example, the basic principle of life changes. Do not expect services, but help with kind treatment needy people. Do them favors without delay, for the following of Christ changes His servants into real servants and in the image of their Lord.
Christ came to teach us, not only what we are to know and believe, but also what we are to do – what we should do, not only toward God, but also toward men – not only towards our relatives and those of our party and persuasion, but also towards men in general. The golden rule of equity is to do to others as we except that they should do to us. Take it positively, or negatively, it comes all to the same. We must not do to others the evil they have done to us or the evil that they would do to us if it were in their power. May we do to them only what we desire they do to us. This is grounded upon that great commandment; “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” As we must bear the same affection to our neighbor that we would have borne to ourselves, so we should do the same good offices. We can, in our dealings with others, suppose ourselves in the same particular case and circumstances with those we have to do with, and act accordingly. If I were making such a bargain, laboring under such an infirmity and affliction, how should I desire and expect to be treated? And this is a just supposition, because we do not know how soon their case may really be ours. At least we may fear, lest God by His judgments should do to us as we have done to others, if we have not done as we would be done by.
PRAYER: O Heavenly Father, You are worthy of worship by every man. How frequent You are affronted by the people walking indifferently before You. In Your patience, You did not destroy them, but You gave Your only Son for them to draw them near to You and to change them into Your likeness. Please forgive us taking no notice of Your generosity, kindness and power. Change us fundamentally that we may serve You and serve everybody with praise and thankfulness to Christ our ideal and example.
QUESTION:
- What is the secret of the golden rule?