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