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 is 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)
I love that the thing that the world considers “The Golden Rule”, is completely founded on Biblical principles. The challenging part is remembering to follow it in all things and at all times. The Word goes on to tell us further the specific attributes that support a life that does for others what we would have them do for us. To love as God loves us, leads us to extend love, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control to those around us. Most of the time, we get what we give. Of course, there are exceptions. However, I have found that the best way to diffuse anger or frustration is to extend kindness and gentleness. Often it stops the one struggling in their tracks, and causes them to pause and take a breath. When we know someone is for us and not against us, it makes all the difference in how we respond to them. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in extending the same kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and love that He has given us, to all whom we encounter.
May we choose to live,
Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤
By “The Golden Rule”;
Doing for others,
What shows God’s love true.
Kindness and patience,
Gentleness and love;
Granted to others,
Brings peace from above.
Love diffuses fear,
Frustration and gall;
It shows faithfulness,
As we hear God’s call.
So, let us give love,
To all whom we meet;
What we’d like returned,
For such love is sweet.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your Word instructs us in the way to live our best life. Thank You that You have shown us what such love looks like through the gift of Your Son. Forgive us for the times that we have not treated those around us in a way that we would want returned to us. Teach us to turn to You for the patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control that we need to love as You love us. Show us how to love all those around us according to Your definition of love, not our own. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to love others as we are loved by You. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing,May 2011 – present
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23
Revelations In Writing 