The Golden Rule, taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, is still important for healthy relationships. But in our society, many have forgotten this important teaching. We need to use the Golden Rule more in our lives.
Jesus explains the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." This one sentence covers all of Jesus' teachings about how to treat others.
The Golden Rule requires both love and imagination. We must try to picture ourselves in another's situation. What are they facing? How do they feel? What would help them? Only by understanding another's world can we know how to treat them as we would want to be treated.
In practice, the Golden Rule shows up in several ways:
Jesus himself is our best example of the Golden Rule. He knew exactly what people needed and met those needs, even when it was hard. He became Emmanuel, God with us, to help our loneliness. He died on the cross to forgive our sins. He rose from the dead to help us not fear death. He sent the Holy Spirit to give us power to follow him.
This is the standard Jesus sets: love others by putting their needs first. With his help, we can grow in applying the Golden Rule in all our relationships.
Things you can do:
The Golden Rule isn't just a nice idea, it's the key to all good relationships. When we think about others' needs and meet them, even when it's hard, we show God's character.
Our self-centered culture has mostly forgotten this teaching. Even in churches, we often fall short. But with God's help, we can start using the Golden Rule again.
Let's try to treat others—our family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors—exactly as we would want to be treated. Let’s listen carefully, ask how we can help, change our schedules when needed, and discipline kindly. When we do this, we follow all of God's laws and act like Christ.
The Golden Rule isn't old-fashioned. It's still the best way for meaningful, life-giving relationships. With God's help, we can use this rule in every part of our lives.
Jesus explains the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." This one sentence covers all of Jesus' teachings about how to treat others.
The Golden Rule requires both love and imagination. We must try to picture ourselves in another's situation. What are they facing? How do they feel? What would help them? Only by understanding another's world can we know how to treat them as we would want to be treated.
In practice, the Golden Rule shows up in several ways:
- Caring enough to listen. When someone listens to us without interrupting, we feel valued. The Golden Rule asks us to listen to others the same way.
- Caring enough to ask. We shouldn't try to guess what others need. The Golden Rule tells us to ask, "How can I help you?" instead of thinking we already know.
- Caring enough to allow interruptions. Making people the priority, even when it's not convenient, shows love like Christ. The Golden Rule challenges us to be available when others need us.
- Caring enough to parent wisely. With children, the Golden Rule means not using criticism, force, or yelling. Instead, it asks for creative, understanding discipline that respects the child. If you were an HR director, would you hire someone like you as a parent?
This is the standard Jesus sets: love others by putting their needs first. With his help, we can grow in applying the Golden Rule in all our relationships.
Things you can do:
- Find relationships where you haven't used the Golden Rule. Ask God for help in treating these people better.
- Practice your listening skills this week. Make eye contact, don't interrupt, and don't give advice unless you’re asked for it.
- Before talking to others, try to see things from their point of view. How would you want to be treated in their situation?
- Parents: Don't use force, yelling, or harsh words when disciplining. Look for kinder ways to correct them that show respect.
- Be open to interruptions. Be willing to change your plans to help others, like Jesus did.
- Ask people close to you, "How can I love you better?" Listen to what they say without getting defensive.
- Think about how Christ has perfectly followed the Golden Rule for you. Let his love inspire you to use the Golden Rule.
Our self-centered culture has mostly forgotten this teaching. Even in churches, we often fall short. But with God's help, we can start using the Golden Rule again.
Let's try to treat others—our family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors—exactly as we would want to be treated. Let’s listen carefully, ask how we can help, change our schedules when needed, and discipline kindly. When we do this, we follow all of God's laws and act like Christ.
The Golden Rule isn't old-fashioned. It's still the best way for meaningful, life-giving relationships. With God's help, we can use this rule in every part of our lives.