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The Golden Rule
Song: Introduction So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12) These words are the epilogue, or conclusion of our Lord's discourse; the sum of what he had delivered in the two preceding chapters. All things whatsoever ... - This command has been usually called the "Saviour's golden rule," a name given to it on account of its great value. All that you "expect" or "desire" of others in similar circumstances, do to them. Act not from selfishness or injustice, but put yourself in the place of the other, and ask what you would expect of him. This would make you impartial, candid, and just. It would destroy avarice, envy, treachery, unkindness, slander, theft, adultery, and murder. It has been well said that this law is what the balance-wheel is to machinery. It would prevent all irregularity of movement in the moral world, as that does in a steam-engine. It is easily applied, its justice is seen by all people, and all must acknowledge its force and value. This does not imply that we are always to do to others as they wish, but what we would like to have done to ourselves if we were placed in their condition and they in ours. We might injure them by complying with their foolish wishes. A maxim similar to the Golden Rule is found in the teachings of various sages; Socrates among the Greeks (What stirs you to anger when done to you by bothers, that do not to others), Buddha and Confucius (What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others) among the Orientals, and Hillel (Do not do to thy neighbour what is hateful to thyself) among the Jews. But the other teachers do not come up to Christ's standard. Their maxim is negative and passive. They say: Do not do to others what you would not have done to you. It is a rule of not doing, rather than of doing. Connection between a statement Judging Others 1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Ask, Seek, Knock 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:1-7) Be honest and act justly. Commandment from the Saviour 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12). You must not take advantage of others and do not slander people. Do not repay anyone evil for evil (Romans 12:17) and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Completeness of the Scriptures 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12). For this is the law and the prophets-"This is the substance of all relative duty; all Scripture in a nutshell." Conclusion So go out today and subdue or vanquish evil by doing good to others. Show them the loveliness of a better spirit; the power of kindness and benevolence; the value of an amiable, Christian behaviour. So doing, you may disarm them of their rage, and be the means of bringing them to better minds. A moral enemy is more easily overcome by kindness than by hostility. In His Vineyard JB Oseh |