The Golden Rule...

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."--Matthew 7:12.  Jesus, giving us a simple yet much needed reminder that we ought to treat others as we would have them treat us.  This is the Golden Rule.

The Golden rule.  This phrase is one all of us have heard at some point in our lives.  Treat others as you wish to be treated or some variation thereof.

The Golden Rule.  In context, Jesus has just gotten done telling us to watch how we judge others.  Additionally, In Matthew 7:7-11, He shows us that we are to depend on God for everything.  This all leads up to Jesus' statement "Treat people the same way you want them to treat you."

The Golden Rule.  Matthew 7 begins by talking about making bad judgment calls or being hypercritical about others.  Lord knows I have made this mistake, even this week as a matter of fact and it's only Tuesday.  If we find ourselves being hypercritical of others, people are going to be hypercritical of us.

The Golden Rule.  In contrast to being hypercritical in Matthew 7:7-11, we find that we ought to be good to people in the same way that God has been more than good to us.  So what do we do?

The Golden Rule.  Jesus also says in Matthew 7:12 that the Golden Rule is the Law and the Prophets.  Everything about what God expects hinges around this command because it ultimately reflects on the greatest commands which are to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves.

To love God is to obey His commands.  So the ultimate question we need to ask ourselves is how are we loving our neighbor?  How are we loving those closest to us?  I really don't have any practical application this morning but just reflect on the questions I just asked.  Even when people mistreat you, make it a point to treat them as God would treat them.  Exercise the fruits of the Spirit which are found in Galatians 5:22-23.  Exercise love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Even when things get tough in your relationships others, exercising the fruits of the spirit becomes crucial.

I leave you this morning with the words of Jesus "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."

DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL! GOD BLESS!