Do you know the golden rule? Can you quote it? Have you attempted to live by it? Was it difficult to do? Are you still attempting to live by it? Is it a challenge at certain times? What if you do not fully understand it? What if it is even more challenging than you think?
It is likely we have heard of the golden rule. It is most often quoted as, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It may be paraphrased, but generally the meaning is the same. The meaning most often meant when it is quoted is that we are to be nice to other people.
Notice in today’s passage where Jesus states it. Not only does it follow His statement to give or allow to be taken from us and not to demand it back, but the sentence just before that says we are to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us. That changes the meaning of the golden rule significantly, doesn’t it?
The golden rule does not merely mean to be nice to others. It also means we are to love our enemies, we are to do good to those who hate us, we are to pray for those who mistreat us, we are to give more to those who take from us and not demand it back. Looking at where Jesus states the golden rule, He is summing up His previous statements.
If we are going to live by the golden rule, we must go well beyond what we think it means. It must be more than nice. To do so requires us to lean on God’s strength and guidance. As human beings, we cannot do this on our own. Our core beliefs must change. We must become like Jesus to live as He wants us to.
I pray we all attempt to live by the golden rule. I pray we understand that it means far more than being nice. I pray each one of us will lean on God to give us strength and guidance. Love your enemies. Do good for those who hate you. Pray for those who mistreat you. Give more than is demanded. Lean on God for strength. Follow God’s guidance.
Luke 6:29-31 “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Marty Pressey 