Matthew 7:12

“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.”

This statement is often known as The Golden Rule. The Jews were familiar with something like this but always in the negative form. Only Jesus expressed the rule positively. That is to say, we are not merely to stop thieving, lying and killing but to go out of our way to love, care and encourage. And the reason for living in this way is that surely this is exactly how we would like other people to treat us.

Jesus plainly saw this simple and clear rule as a summary of his Sermon on the Mount. This principle should be shaping the way in which we live day by day. So our first task is to decide how we like to be treated. It would be excellent if you could take some time today to make a list of the things that are important for you. To get your thinking going, let me reflect on my own life.

I would begin by saying that I want to be loved, and I recognise that love through people listening to me, encouraging me and caring for me. I also want to be respected. I’m not bothered about people agreeing with me all the time – I would be suspicious if they did! But I want to know that they value what I have to say and take it very seriously. And I really love it when people want to spend time with me.

You now know what God is calling me to be and to do today. In the power of his Spirit I need to go out and be all those things for the people I meet. Your list will be different, and I pray that God will inspire you as you bless other people in all the ways that you yourself long to be blessed.

Question

What do you want other people to do for you?

Prayer

Lord God, help me to love others in the way that I want to be loved. Amen