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 off Moses and the teaching of the prophets. – (Matthew 7:12, ERV)
This is what our Scriptures come to teach: in everything, in every circumstance, do to others as you would have them do to you. – (Matthew 7:12, VOICE)
The word of God is alive and active, ever teaching, guiding and directing us to do what is right. This passage in Matthew reminds us to do unto others as we would want done unto us; for as we abide in Him we discover more and more how we are called to love in every situation and circumstance, and as for me, I know the way that I want to be treated by others is with kindness that is fueled by love. When I make a mistake, I want to be given grace, even when correction is needed. Knowing my own desire helps me to seek the Lord to lead me to do the same with those around me. As a teacher, I have many opportunities to put this into practice every single day. Middle schoolers are impulsive and figuring out who they want to be. When I remain calm and gently correct or redirect behaviors and actions that are unsafe or unkind, kids are quicker to respond and do what is right. In traffic, I try to remind myself that when drivers are careless or distracted as they drive, they could be preoccupied with things that are going on in their lives and are simply trying to get where they need to go so that they will not be late to something important. In all things, allowing the Lord’s love to flow through us with kindness and grace is always a better way to interact with others, for His heart for the world is made known through the little things we say and do that are different than expected. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love, and to show us how to give kindness and grace, even when we think something else is deserved.
When the world’s cruel,
and all seems unkind;
we have a calling,
to give grace, be kind.
For love’s the answer,
to all that is wrong;
to give like the Lord,
our heart and our song.
To choose extend grace,
in goodness and love;
let gentleness lead,
like the Lord above.
For as we are met,
with what’s undeserved;
we pursue the same,
in actions and words.
Lead us, Lord Jesus,
in all that we do;
so Your love’s made known,
as Your light shines through.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that above all, You call us to love. Thank You that choosing to love is fulfilling the law, for there is no law against loving kindness and grace. Forgive us for the times that we have not shown love and have reacted rather than responded. Teach us to turn to You to lead us in Your love in every situation and circumstance, for Your love brings peace and patience, kindness and goodness, even when it is seemingly undeserved. Show us how to love like You, even when we want to react. Bring many into a lasting relationship with You as they recognize Your goodness and grace that gives life everlasting. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love and treat others as we would want to be treated in every situation and circumstance, for Your love lights up the darkest of hearts and brings peace where chaos once reigned; Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28
Revelations In Writing 