February 1, 2022

Matthew 7: 12 (NIV)

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Often the act derives all its consequence and utility from the manner in which it is performed.*

It’s really hard to know what other people want. They don’t always want the same things I want. I want people to be honest with me, even if it hurts; others would rather be lied to. Some people like to be fussed over when they’re sick; I want to be left alone (as much as possible!). We can’t know what is best for another person and Jesus didn’t tell us to try to guess what other people want. He said, plain and simple, to do to them what we would like done to us.

Jesus’ illustrations leading up to this command involved giving to someone what he asked for. We go through life in a snit because our expectations (“needs”) are not being met by our spouses, employers, employees, children, friends, and church leaders; however, if we wish to be treated a certain way but have not expressed our wishes, the best we can hope for is that the other person treats us the way he wants to be treated. If I want to be treated the way I want to be treated, I’d better let someone know what I want!

I really don’t think Jesus meant to cause all this confusion. Just as with any scriptural application, we need to look at more than just a verse standing alone. What other “rules” did Jesus implement? Rule #1: love God. Rule #2: love others. When we follow these rules, our compliance is found not so much in what we do as in the attitude that accompanies our actions. If we love God and love others, following the Golden Rule becomes a matter of proactively seeking to meet the needs of others. Whether or not you are able to guess what I want you to do for me, attitudes such as kindness and respect are always welcome. And these are the same attitudes I should have toward you if you have guessed wrong!

Let’s stop calling this the “Golden Rule” and start calling it "Rule #3."

Being considerate of the feelings and needs of others by exhibiting gentleness shows you are responding to the Spirit of God.*