| Matthew 7:12 – “So, whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” |
Our ideas of right and wrong are many times shaped by stories, images, and memories, not merely by a list of rules so our actions are often shaped by our life experiences. This verse gives guidance to each of us concerning the treatment of others in this life and is one of the most famous statements in all of the Scripture. It is often referred to as the Golden Rule. It is also a mainstay idea that is practiced in many religions. The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as one would want to be treated by them. It is sometimes called an ethics of reciprocity, meaning that you should reciprocate to others how you would like them to treat you. It is easy for us, in the western culture, to forget how much Jesus teachings changed the world, and how ingrained some of His ideas have become in modern times. Jesus calls us to think about how we would want to be treated and then treat others that way. It is indeed a call to loving action. This, quite frankly, is world-changing when implemented because we then begin to live lives of empathy and love.Jesus is asking us to view the world in terms of goodness. He’s asking us to think about situations and our actions and then do something based upon how we would like to be treated.
Dear Lord, help us to see others through your eyes and to treat them with love and kindness as you do us. Amen
-Donna Stauber
