The Principle Of The Golden Rule Series

The Principle of the Golden Rule

Matthew 7:12

We come to a statement our Lord made while preaching the Sermon on the Mount that we are all familiar. No doubt each of us has heard this principle as long as we can remember. The Bible skeptic would argue there is nothing special about our Lord’s teaching in this regard. This is a principle that many follow. I will agree that many cultures may have adopted a similar teaching, but the principle our Lord reveals is unique. If you consider the similarity of other teachings, you also discover a profound difference.

Hillel, the Hebrew rabbi, said, "Do not do to thy neighbor what is hateful to thyself."

Socrates, the Greek philosopher, said, "What stirs your anger when done to you by others, that do not do to others."

Confucius, the Chinese sage, said, "What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others." (i)

These statements are worlds away from what Jesus said. Their rules are negative and passive. Jesus' rule is positive and active. In essence these wise men said, "Avoid doing to others what you do not want done to you." Jesus said, "Think of something good you wish someone would do for you, then do it for someone else." 1

Let’s take a few moments to consider the depth of this fundamental truth as we think on: The Principle of the Golden Rule.

I. The Simplicity of the Principle – Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. This is a principle that even a child can comprehend. The simplicity does not detract from its significance, and yet it is often ignored. We live in an age of excess, indulgence, and greed. Few take the time to consider the needs or feelings of others. Our world is influenced by social status and most are willing to do whatever is necessary to get ahead, even at the expense of others.

We would all have to agree that our world would be a much better place if all people were committed to living according to this simple principle. Our Lord was very clear and precise with this command. This simple principle lies at the heart of humanity; it speaks of the love and care that should be present in all people.

I have said before: it isn’t those things in the Bible we don’t understand that trouble us most; we have more difficulty with the things we do understand. Many desire to know the will of God for their lives, but few are willing to do those simple things that God commands. Micah 6:8 – He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Eccles.12:13 – Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

II. The Significance of the Principle – Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. It is evident that the Lord desires each of us to practice what He has commanded. It isn’t enough to know what the Bible teaches; we must be willing to put those teachings into everyday practice.

This significant principle cannot be separated from obedience to God. If we are to be what the Lord desires of us, if we are to represent our Lord in a way that pleases Him, we must be willing to live according to this principle. When the “Golden Rule” is lived out in our lives, we are showing the love of God to others. We cannot please our Savior if we are unwilling to love our neighbor. Mat.22:37-39 – Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Gal.5:14 – For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Where would any of us be if God had responded to us in relation to how we responded to Him? What if God would have dealt with us according to what we deserved? Consider the treatment of Jesus prior to the crucifixion. He had every right to have destroyed His accusers. They were not worthy of His love or His sacrifice. He did not render what they deserved. He offered grace instead of wrath. He offered what they needed instead of what they deserved.

The same is true in each of our lives. We were not given what we had earned or deserved. Jesus dealt with us in tender mercy and grace. We are expected to show that same grace to others as well, even if we feel they don’t deserve it.