In Matthew 7:12, Jesus gives a profound yet simple ethic. We call it the Golden Rule:
The full text is “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
But we focus on the phrase, “Do to others what you would have them do to you.”
This timeless moral teaching calls us to look beyond ourselves and actively care for others through empathy and compassion. Rather than just avoiding harm, the Golden Rule encourages us to take the initiative in acting for the good and wellbeing of others, even strangers and enemies.
To really follow the Golden Rule requires imagining ourselves in another person’s situation. We must consider their perspective, their needs and their desires. Then, ask this question: “How would I want to be treated if I were them?” This principle of radical love and kindness counters the human tendency of selfishness and indifference.
Living by the Golden Rule is deeply challenging in practice. It demands intentionality, imagination, sacrifice and inconveniencing ourselves. However, if Jesus’ followers took this teaching to heart, acting out of empathy, compassion and goodness, they could bring reconciliation and healing to broken relationships, and families.
What would our world be like if we all embraced and applied the Golden Rule? There would be more harmony, connection and goodwill between people of different backgrounds. As Christians, may we lead the way in showing this kind of life-giving love and compassion to all people. It starts with each of us, one relationship at a time.
Lonnie Davis