Treat others the way you would want to be treated.
“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 (KJV)
What does “Golden rule” mean in Matthew 7:12?
This saying is often called the Golden Rule. Jesus says it sums up the law and the prophets, meaning the whole teaching of the Old Testament about how to treat people.
Going deeper
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. Many cultures have a version of this idea, but Jesus states it in a positive way. It is not just do not harm others. It is actively do for others what you would want done for you. That is a much higher standard, and it turns every situation into a question: what would I want if I were in their place?
This can guide us in ordinary life: how we speak to a cashier, how we manage employees, how we respond to a struggling relative. Choose one relationship this week and ask, how would I want to be treated here? Then act on the answer. It may mean patience, honesty, a phone call, or forgiveness. Jesus says that this sums up all of God's instruction about human relationships, which means it is worth practicing daily.
Reflect
In which relationship could you ask how you would want to be treated and act on the answer?
Pray
Lord Jesus, help me to treat others the way I want to be treated. Show me one person this week to love in this way. In Jesus' name, amen.
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