Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule.
Matthew 7:12: The Golden Rule.
Matthew 7:12 (NIV) So in everything, do to others what you would
have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12 (NLT) Do for others what you would like them to
do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and
the prophets.
DEVOTIONAL PEARL
That single sentence is perhaps the most famous statement
Jesus ever made. It is the "Everest of Ethics," as one man put it. In
some ways it is the cornerstone of true Christianity, certainly the
capstone of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.
I appreciate the positive emphasis. Instead of saying, "Don't
do this," He says, "Do this." If you have wondered about how to get
started in a lifetime of simple faith, here it is.
The principle? Modeling must accompany our message.
You want to be forgiven? Forgive.
You need affirmation? Affirm.
You feel hurt, wounded, broken, and could stand a gentle
touch? Be gentle with others.
You have discovered the value of tact when something
sensitive needed to be addressed? Be tactful.
The examples are endless. Unfortunately, models of such
greathearted behavior are rare. Is it any wonder the non-Christian world
looks with suspicion in our direction?
The best part of the whole principle? It is so simple. Living
by the Golden Rule prevents the need for laying down an endless
list of little rules and regulations to govern conduct. Just put
yourself in the other person's place and think, What is it I would need
if I were him or her? And then? Do it. When you do, you will
fulfill the essence of "the Law and the Prophets."
Do you know the greatest message we can deliver? It is the
message of Christlike character. No message on earth is more needed or
more powerful.
You want to impact your family, your church, your community,
your place of employment? You want to make a difference in the life
of your mate, a family member, a friend (Christian or not), some
person in the workplace? Demonstrate the characteristics of Christ.
It has been said that the only Bible most folks ever read is
the daily life of the Christian. If that is true, I believe the
world needs a revised version. Our problem is not that too many of us
are being ignored; it's that we are all being observed!
Words fitly spoken are powerful, but they are nothing
compared to the power of a life fitly lived.
The very best way to impact the lives of those around you is
to demonstrate the characteristics of Christ. [Chuck Swindoll
www.insight.org.]
COMMENTARY
The so-called Golden Rule is found in negative form in rabbinic
Judaism and also in Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism. It occurred in
various forms in Greek and Roman ethical teaching. Jesus stated it in
positive form. [NIV SB]
This is commonly known as the Golden Rule. In many religions it
is stated negatively: Dont do to others what you dont want
done to you. By stating it positively, Jesus made it more
significant. It is not very hard to refrain from harming others; it is much
more difficult to take the initiative in doing something good for
them. The Golden Rule as Jesus formulated it is the foundation of
active goodness and mercy - the kind of love God shows to us every day.
Think of a good and merciful action you can take today. [Life
Application SB]
It is worthy of note that Jesus transformed a negative precept
into a positive one. Herein lies the essential difference between
Christianity and all false religious systems, and between true Christianity
and that which consists in the form of religion but denies the vital
power of the gospel. The golden rule takes supreme selfishness, what
we would like others to do for us, and transforms it into supreme
selflessness, what we are to do for others. This is the glory of Christianity.
This is the life of Christ lived out in those who follow Him and bear
His name. [SDA Bible Commentary]
This verse, commonly called the Golden Rule or the
principle of reciprocity, sums up all the moral and ethical requirements.
[Believers SB]
The golden rule summarizes the obligations of the second table
of the Decalogue, and is another statement of the great principle
of loving our neighbor (see Matt. 19:16"19; 22:39, 40; cf. 1 John
4:21). Only those who make the golden rule their law of life and
practice can expect admission to the kingdom of glory. Our attitude
toward our fellow men is an infallible index of our attitude toward God
(see 1 John 3:14"16). [SDA Bible Commentary]
The golden rule teaches, by implication, the same truth which is
taught elsewhere in the Sermon on the Mount, that "with what measure ye
mete, it shall be measured to you again." That which we do to others,
whether it be good or evil, will surely react upon ourselves, in
blessing or in cursing. Whatever we give, we shall receive again. The
earthly blessings which we impart to others may be, and often are,
repaid in kind. What we give does, in time of need, often come back to
us in fourfold measure in the coin of the realm. But, besides this,
all gifts are repaid, even in this life, in the fuller inflowing of
His love, which is the sum of all heaven's glory and its treasure.
And evil imparted also returns again. Everyone who has been free to
condemn or discourage, will in his own experience be brought over the
ground where he has caused others to pass; he will feel what they have
suffered because of his want of sympathy and tenderness. {MB 136}
The golden rule is the principle of true courtesy, and its
truest illustration is seen in the life and character of Jesus. Oh,
what rays of softness and beauty shone forth in the daily life of our
Saviour! What sweetness flowed from His very presence! The same spirit
will be revealed in His children. Those with whom Christ dwells will
be surrounded with a divine atmosphere. {MB 135}
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo [old, but one of the best]
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Musical Devotional On Christian Living:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/
ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Restoring The Power by John Bradshaw:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
Last Day Prophecy: His Other Sheep by Pastor Gerald Babanezhad:
https://vimeo.com/162267518
