The Golden Rule we really NEED

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

The Golden Rule – Do unto others as you would have them do to you.

You know what I like so much about the ESV version of Matthew 7:12? It flips the sequence of the Golden rule to the way you actually think. — Don’t you think about how someone is treating you before you think about what you are doing to play into the situation? Don’t you first look at the speck in their eye or try to throw the first stone?

Jesus wants us to reflect and act on what we wish others would do. He desires that we take the first step toward healing. That we listen to His Word and act upon what it says, not tell someone else what they are doing wrong. Just one verse after His call for us to do this, Jesus acknowledges that this way of living will be HARD, but it will lead to an Abundant Life.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:13-14

My girls are now in 9th grade, the hardest year of schooling I had because of the friendships I lost. My girls are now experiencing the pain and hurt I had hoped they would’ve missed. It’s hard, and sometimes as their mom I feel fully defeated in how to help – I literally feel like I’m failing as a mom. Because I know there are always 2 sides of each story and both parties in every relationship play into the problem. But then, in God like fashion, Jesus reminds me through His Word how to encourage them to live.

In my 9th grade year, I was hurt by the closest friends I thought I had, but I began to treat others the way I wanted to be treated and made so many more friends, even eventually making amends with my old ones. Jesus’ way was hard, but it gave me life and lessons that grew me closer to Him and allowed me to be more like Him.

Where are you feeling hurt today? Why not live like Jesus Golden Rule and treat others the way you wish to be treated. It’s the Hard Good Way to live.