The Golden Rule
Luke 6:31
The Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It’s an ethical command of Jesus that includes the admonition to “love your enemies and do good to those who hate you; to bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you.”
Yeah… challenging, to say the least… but, if followed, it’s transformational. The ethical call of Christ is proof that Jesus may accept us just as we are, but he has absolutely no intention of leaving us that way!
And that’s the most difficult part of honestly following Christ. We resist transformation. We often kick and complain and cry about the unfairness of it all.
But, if we fail to experience transformation… if we’re not changed after our encounter with Christ as revealed in God’s Word, can we really say we’ve “been born anew” in the Grace of the Lord? It's a sobering thought for all of us… myself certainly included.
Of course, this simple verse (“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”), is part of Jesus’ greater teachings, that raise the bar (the standard) of love and compassion for his followers, challenging us to go above and beyond mere reciprocity.
The Golden Rule is foundational to living a life of Faith, because it calls us to reflect (to share) the love of Christ in a very real and tangible way. It’s extremely practical! Yet, at the same time it’s elusively difficult.
The Golden Rule transforms our relationships, communities… it can even transform the world, because it changes us. And even though many cultures and religions have similar teachings, Jesus gives it a deeper, spiritual meaning that reflects the heart of God’s love for us.
Of course, at first glance, Jesus’ command seems like common sense… treat others the way you want to be treated. But Jesus is calling us to something deeper, and more profound.
He’s not just saying, “Avoid hurting or harming others,” but rather, “Actively (intentionally) seek to do good to others – regardless to how they treat you.” It’s proactive, rather than passive.
~ It is not just about avoiding sin against others; it’s about seeking ways to bless others – even those who fail to bless back. Even those who curse you and hate you and mistreat you!
~ It has nothing to do with “fairness”; it is about grace… giving more than what’s expected. That’s what Jesus meant by “going the extra mile, turning the other cheek, and forgiving until we lose count.”
Of course, living-out Jesus’ Words in our daily lives is no small task! I mean…
Do you always treat your spouse, children, or siblings the way you want to be treated? Are you always patient, kind, and forgiving to the people closest to you??
Do you support and encourage your friends in the same way you desire support? Do you listen as much as you want to be heard?
Do you treat coworkers and employees (or the clerk at the grocery store) with the respect and dignity you desire? Do you act with honesty and integrity, even when no one is watching?
Jesus’ teachings are difficult, and radical… they force us to focus beyond “me, myself, and I” – as they call us to extend grace, the very grace we’ve received… even to those who mistreat us.
And honestly, it can seem impossible! I’m not so sure I’m up to the task… in fact…
I can’t; “I” meaning in-and-of my own strength. But with the power of Christ working through the Holy Spirit in me… I can.
The Golden Rule reflects the very nature of God:
~ the God who treats us with mercy, even when we do not deserve it.
~ Jesus… exemplified all of this in His life and death. On the cross, He prayed for those who crucified Him. He gave His life not because we deserved it, but because of His great love for us.
Of course, it’s in the actual “living out” (the practice) of Jesus’ words that show the world who and Whose we are. Living out our faith shows the world that you and I are who we claim to be. The world will never listen to what we say, unless they can see what we do.
So how? How should you and I practice the ethic of Christ in our everyday lives?
Maybe, in following Christ, you and I should pause and think before acting or reacting. Before responding to someone (especially in a negative way), maybe it would be helpful to consider: “If I were in their shoes, how would I want to be treated?”
Surely, we could show kindness… Even When It’s Hard – we’re called to go beyond what’s expected; being generous with love and grace.
Maybe we could Seek Reconciliation - If there is conflict in your life, take the first step in making peace. Finding ways to bless people, even in small ways… a gentle word, a helping hand, a listening ear.
Jesus’ words are simple, yet life changing. Imagine a life where everyone lived by the Golden Rule. Families would be stronger, workplaces would be kinder, and our communities would be places of love and grace.
May we commit today to living the Golden Rule… not just in words, but in action… so that the love of Christ will shine through us.
Let us pray.
Loving God, we thank You for Your love and grace. Help us to treat others as You have treated us… with mercy, kindness, and love. Teach us to live out the Golden Rule daily, reflecting Your heart to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Gerald W. (Jerry) Ledbetter, Pastor
West Point Presbyterian Church
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