Today’s Reading: Matthew 7:12 and 22:37-40

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” — Matthew 7:12

This verse is known as The Golden Rule. It is one of the first verses I memorized as a child, and it was often the verse I heard teachers quote to correct the bad behavior of students. It has been used in conflict resolutions, and it is the standard set for most relationships. If I treat you the way I want to be treated and you treat me the way you would want me to treat you, we have a mutual agreement of consideration and kindness.

So what does that look like when we all follow this important lesson into adulthood? It means I extend mercy and understanding to you, and I experience the reciprocation of that respect and consideration. It means…

If I hear something about you that is inconsistent with who I know you to be, I am going to go to you first to ask you if that information is true, because that is what I would want you to do for me.

If I see that you are having a hard day, I am going to come alongside you and ask you how you are doing and if there is anything I can do for you, because that is what I would want you to do for me.

If you sin against me, hurt my feelings, or offend me, I am going to forgive you. I might even sit down with you and let you know how your actions affected me, because that is what I would want you to do for me.

If I see that you are struggling with your faith in God and slowly drifting out of relationship with Him, I am going to kindly reach out to you and see if you are alright. I am going to be someone you can talk to and someone who will pray for you, because that is what I would want you to do for me.

If you lose someone close to you, if you get fired from your job, or if you suffer a great loss in this life, I am going to grieve with you and be available to listen to you. I will be a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, because that is what I would want you to do for me.

If you don’t want advice, I won’t give it. If you need space, I’ll give it to you. If you need someone to make you laugh or help you forget, I’m there for you…because that is what I would want you to do for me.

DO UNTO OTHERS WHAT YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO TO YOU.

What would this world look like if we all lived according to The Golden Rule? What would our church relationships look like if we followed this standard of conduct? How healthy would our family relationships be if The Golden Rule was our highest goal?

Jesus said that this one rule sums up all of the law and the prophets. If the long list of the Jewish rules and standards was overwhelming for the Jews and Gentiles to remember and live by, they could live by this one rule and it would result in the life God was calling them to. The Golden Rule teaches us how to live in relationship with others, as well as live in relationship with God. This is consistent with Jesus’ reply when asked what the greatest commandment was:

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40

LOVE GOD AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.

The word “golden” has been resurrected by today’s young people, and is commonly used to describe something as perfect or exactly what is needed. I believe what is needed today is a resurrection of living according to the Golden Rule, and that starts in the church. What would it look like if each of us truly considered our response to others through the lens of how we would want to be treated if we were in their situation? What if we expressed our love for God through the expression of love towards others? What if we spent this Thanksgiving letting those in our lives know how much we appreciate them because we know how much value that conversation would have in our lives as well?

God, thank you for the reminder this morning of your Golden Rule. Thank you that there is value in this instruction for both others and myself. May each of us live through the lens of reciprocity, focused on the value our decisions have on others rather than focused on ourselves. We ask for your Spirit to bring your word back to our thoughts as we live out our relationship with you in our relationship with others. Amen.