HOST: Michael Whitworth
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
We call it the golden rule: “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” It is one of those teachings of Jesus that has found its way into our modern-day vernacular, though it is often not as prevalent in practice as it ought to be in our world today. It is such a simple principle, yet it can shape our behavior toward others and transform our relationships with them. Do you want others to be kind to you? Then be kind. Do you want others to be patient with you and understand that you are not perfect? Then be patient and understanding. Do you want others to forgive you when you fail? Then be forgiving. Imagine a world where every person lived by this simple rule of human interaction. It may be that the world as a whole never comes around to living by this rule, but that should not prevent us from living by it. And it may be that, as we apply this teaching of Jesus to our lives, it causes those around us to decide to live out the golden rule in their lives as well. May God help us treat others as we want to be treated.
Why do you think more people do not apply this rule to their lives?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
