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, NIV)
Do for others what you would want them to do for you. This is the meaning of the Law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets. – (Matthew 7:12, ERV)
Here’s a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get. – (Matthew 7:12, MSG)
Growing up, this was known as the Golden Rule. If we truly treated others the way that we desire to be treated, I can imagine how beautifully we all would get along. If we try to imagine ourselves in the other person’s position, and think about what we would want if we were them, it is easier to give what we ought to, rather than react. When strangers are kind, my instant response is kindness. Though I am a bit reserved, I smile easily at others and find that a smile goes a long way in setting a positive tone for interactions. There is something about it that disarms and indicates kindness is coming. It is easy to do good and extend kindness to those we love most, but it can feel like a tremendous amount of work with those we do not know or those who seemingly oppose us. Intentional effort is required to extend the good that we would want given to people who are rude or unkind. I try to extend grace and imagine what they must be carrying to be in such a state, and sometimes, just an extra effort of kindness disarms the damaging demeanor. May we ever look to the Lord to show us how to do for others what we would want done to us, and seek His grace for those who make it difficult to do so.
Do unto others,
what you would want done;
give kindness and grace,
’til each day is done.
For this is our charge,
the old Golden Rule;
in peace, coexist,
in all that we do.
Imagine yourself,
in the other’s place;
and seek the Lord’s strength,
to choose to give grace.
For as we do good,
we live out God’s way;
and make His love known,
throughout each new day.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love one another as You first loved us. Thank You that what this love looks like is to treat others the way we wish to be treated and to do that which we would want done for us. Forgive us for the times that we have not given what we would want to receive. Teach us to take pause and think before we respond. Show us what to do in every situation and circumstance so that You loving kindness may be made known. Lead us in Your love in every interactions with those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for loving us first, and look to You to lead us to do the good that You intended throughout each new day. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. – 1 John 4:7
Revelations In Writing 