The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)

2024-02-08

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12)

Why should we follow the Golden Rule? Maybe it is because people will be nicer to us if we are nice to them. I find that I naturally follow this rule for this reason: to appease others and avoid potential conflict. This is the self-serving element of the Golden Rule, but this is far from the purpose of this rule, though it sometimes might work out that way. This is exactly the wrong motive.

You know how you want to be served and loved. Chances are that others want to be served and loved the same way. This is a good way in how to love other people. Give others what you want. You do this without expecting anything in return. “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil” (Luke 6:35).

How is this “the law and the prophets”? “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:36-39). This further shows that the Golden Rule is a practical implementation of the second-to-greatest commandment. How can you love others? Give others what you want.