How do we obey and follow what is known as the golden rule spoken by Jesus in the Book of Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12; “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.
Luke 6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. Matthew 7:12 Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
What does it mean to follow these two scriptures in the Bible? How do I do unto others as I would want them to do to me in a world that has so much anger, hatred, malice, bigotry, greed and selfishness?
As human beings, we may think that when we do random acts of good that we are fulfilling the teaching of both Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12. But, remember the Bible does not say do random acts of kindness when you’re feeling good. It means to love others at all times. It also says love your enemies as well as those that persecute you. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you any different from anyone else?
The book of Matthew 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Loving everyone at all times is a much more difficult task to accomplish. It’s imperative to allow the Holy Spirit to help you.
If we are to follow the ‘Golden Rule’ effectively, we have to treat everyone like we want to be, value. More than that, treat everyone as God has treated you. If you desire to be, treated nicely, treat someone else great because of the grace you have been, given. So that regardless of how you feel in any given situation, you can offer forgiveness like the grace God extends to you daily.
You are probably saying to yourself right now that sometimes, of course, I am nice extraordinarily so but, in return, I get contempt from some people. Unfortunately, this can and will happen. People don’t always treat you the way they should or the way you want them to treat you. But that doesn’t mean that you can stop doing the right thing. Don’t let someone pull you into their web of uncaring harshness. Remember that two wrongs never make a right, and vengeance does not belong to us, God has told us in Deuteronomy 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.