Applying the Golden Rule

 N. 5T.#77 "Applying the Golden Rule"

May 25, 2023

Matthew 7-Part 5

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (verse 13)

LET IT GLOW

Jesus could have said to His disciples, "Listen up guys. Here is a Golden Rule to remember and put it into practice all your life. Don't forget it. Treat others in the same way you want them to treat you." However, He did not say it this way.  

J. Vernon McGee looked at this verse in a different light: "Therefore" is the most important word in the Golden Rule. It relates the Golden Rule to that which precedes it. Prayer and the Golden Rule come together in one package. Only as we "ask, seek, and knock" are we able to live in the light of the Golden Rule.

Is McGee saying that we should pray for others like we want them to pray for us, treat others like we want them to treat us?

We are told to pray for those who despitefully use us. (Matt. 5:44)

Hard assignment, isn't it?

LET IT GROW

Jesus Christ came to teach His followers not only what we are to know and believe, but also what we are to do toward God and people. When we put others on our level, then we can treat them how we want to be treated. If they treat us with hateful words and deeds, we do not retaliate, but return love and good to them instead. We are told to love our neighbors as ourself. 

The Golden Rule means to love others: to practice the "one anothers" of Scripture. (Tony Evans)

This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (John 15:12)

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. (1 Thess. 5:11)

Do for the people around you what you want God to do for you, and watch how He delivers. (Evans)

We can't expect good things from God, if we do not fair things, and that which is honest, and lovely, and of good report among men. 

the Golden rule as Jesus formulated it is the foundation active goodness and mercy-the kind of love God shows to us every day. Think of a good and merciful action you can do today. (Life Application Study Bible)

LET IT GO

Jesus, help us let go of jealousy, greed, selfishness.

Use us to love the unlovely, forgive the unforgiving, give to the greedy.

May we be doers of the Word and not hearers only.