Much of what God expects of His children involves having the right relationship with others. In fact, much of the teachings in the Gospel accounts that record the Words of Jesus deal with relationships with others. Matthew 5:21–48 is a lengthy section on our proper behavior toward our fellow people. The “second commandment” mentioned by the Lord involves one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:34–40). Even the Judgment scene recorded in Matthew 25:31–46 is made up of situations involving others. While relationships with each other, in and out of the church, are sometimes difficult, Jesus gave the most productive way to get along with others. It is often referred to as The Golden Rule. “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Luke’s account similarly records, “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise” (Luke 6:31).
Contemplation
“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you…” How many relational problems could be avoided if we simply asked ourselves, “How would that make me feel if someone did that to me?” or “How would I feel if someone said that to me?” How often would we condemn ourselves in our dealing with each other if we had a recording of our words and deeds to others? Simply put, sometimes we just do not really contemplate these things. In the very first part of the Golden Rule, Jesus calls on us to contemplate, think and really consider, how we would want to be treated in like circumstances. If we are honest and reflective in our contemplation, without doubt, our relationships with each other would improve immediately.
Obligation
“…Do also to them…” Jesus did not end with simply contemplating these things in the mind, but He moved on to reminding us of the obligation to “do”! Notice carefully, this is not a “reaction” to how others have treated us but an obligation for us to “act” in a way that we would want others to behave toward us. The responsibility of the Golden Rule is placed squarely on the shoulders of each of us individually! There is an obligation to love (John 13:34–35) and there is an obligation of mercy (Matthew 5:7). There are obligations of kindness (Ephesians 4:32), of compassion (1 Peter 3:8), of humility (Luke 14:11), of gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24; Matthew 11:28-30) and of forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32). Think seriously; do we tend to think more of our obligation to others or of their obligation to us? How many human conflicts have heard words similar to this: “Well, he said that to me first” or “I just did to him what he always does to me!” When we resort to this mentality, we shift our obligation to do right and make our right doing dependent on others’ right doing! This is not what Jesus taught! In fact, when others reviled Jesus, He reviled not (1 Peter 2:23–25). When unfairly and unmercifully treated, Jesus pled for other’s to be forgiven (Luke 23:34). Friends, the One Who spoke the Golden Rule lived it perfectly! We are to strive to walk in His example (1 Peter 2:21). While it is so humanly easy to stoop to sin’s level, as kingdom citizens, we are called to a higher obligation!
Separation
“…For this is the Law and the Prophets.” Golden rule living is really what shows the stark contrast between those who walk in the light and those who walk in darkness! Brother Wesley Simons correctly penned regarding this separation contrasting the Golden Rule with other rules:
The “vandal rule” is really of no profit to anyone but finds its satisfaction in creating misery for others. The “pleasure rule” or “playboy rule” leads its followers into the pleasure of sin, which is but for a season (Hebrews 11). The “iron rule” is followed by those who get what they want simply because of their might. The “it’s legal” rule is applied by those who stay within the law, but show no mercy. A “non-involvement” rule is all too prevalent in our society, as it was with the priest and Levite in Luke 10. The “brass rule” suggests that we do unto others just as they do unto us. The “silver rule” is a live-and-let-live philosophy. A “negative rule” would not hurt anyone but would not do good either. “Do not do unto others what you would not want them to do to you.” However, the rule our Lord gave is the “Golden rule,” and that rule separates kingdom citizens from citizens of darkness!
There is likely nothing that helps life’s relationships, in a short time, more than each person applying the Golden Rule. Just one rather short verse in our English Bibles, and yet, the impact of the application is eternal. Stop and examine yourself; are there some areas in your life you need to improve and to better implement the Golden Rule? Jesus never asked us to police this rule on others, but rather, He challenged each of His disciples to take the demand personally. Golden Rule living would transform our homes, our congregations, our communities and, most of all, ourselves. So what do you say; are you up to the challenge?
