◄ What Does Luke 6:31 Mean? ►

"Treat others the same way you want them to treat you," is often an aggressive accusation that is blurted out by someone who has been offended by another person and who does not understand the context or underlying principle upon which this instruction, from the Lord Jesus, is given.

In Matthew, we read a similar command: "Do to others whatever you would like them to do unto you," and this has often been called, 'The Golden Rule' in both Christian circles and secular settings alike.

As admirable as this command from the Lord Jesus is... it is important to read it in its correct context if we are to apply it in our lives, in spirit and in truth - because 'The Golden Rule' is a statement that underpins true righteousness which comes from Christ alone.

In its correct context, this golden rule is a sublime concept that is rooted in divine love which bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Treating others in the same way that we would like them to treat us, is a Christians principle that is rooted in godly love which is poured into our hearts from above - and God's love never, ever fails.

The instruction to treat others the way that we would like to be treated by them, is the final directive to believers in a list which requires us to love our enemies, to do good to those that hate us, and to bless those that curse us. Doing to others what we would want them to do for us, is embedded in Christ's directive to refrain from retaliation, to give freely to others, and to pray for those who mistreat us and despitefully use us.

'The Golden Rule' as so many like to call this instruction from Christ, demonstrates the kind of love that only comes to us from our Father in heaven when we are walking in spirit and truth and remaining in full fellowship with our Heavenly Lord. Treating others the way we would want to be treated, is a divine characteristic that is foreign to the unbeliever and dormant in the carnal Christian - but it blossoms and buds into the beautiful fruit of the Spirit in the life of a believer that is abiding in Christ - and He in us.

In a confused world where love has grown cold and consideration for others has morphed into cruel aggression, there is an increasing need for us to apply 'The Golden Rule' in our own lives... but it can only be manifested in the life of a believer through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. As the day of Christ's return draws ever closer, there are still multiplied millions of souls who face a lost eternity... unless they hear and believe the gospel of grace - that Christ died for their sins, according to the Scriptures, that He was buried and rose again, according to the Scriptures - such that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. As we apply 'The Golden Rule' in our lives, may our godly conduct help to draw many into a saving knowledge of Christ Jesus.

Heavenly Father, I pray that my life may reflect the love and compassion that Christ had for me in that while I was yet a sinner, He died for me so that by faith in His name I might be saved from a lost eternity and receive the forgiveness of my sins. Help me to apply 'The Golden Rule' in my life and give me the grace to love others with a Christ-like love, that comes from You alone. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.