the golden rule

12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 7

To apply "the golden rule" given to us by Jesus takes wisdom. I'm reminded of Solomon's wisdom which- of course- was actually from God, a gift from him. And therefore available to us all, as we ask for it. Although we will have to grow in wisdom to approach the same kind of stature Solomon had in it. And remember Solomon's fall.

Is it always pleasant, what we do to another in this? No. Though it should always be done in love. Not that our love will be perfect, but because of seeking to do it in love we don't do certain things: like get angry, give them a piece of our mind, etc., while we will do other things: pray for them, pray for restoration and reconciliation as needed, speak pleasantly to them.

But we need to be looking out for their greatest good, which is conformity to Jesus. This is a high and difficult calling, and in the process of seeking to apply this "rule" of Jesus, we will often fall short ourselves, at least inside. But we need to press on, in humility, in gentleness, in realizing we are in this together, that we need each other.

And we must be applying this same rule to our own lives, which means we'll often have to go for what is more difficult for us, rather than the easy way out, or what comes naturally by old ingrained habit.

Of course applying this rule to others is done so in a host of pleasant ways, which involves every encounter we experience daily. Simple courtesies, refusing to judge another, refusing to jump to conclusions, listening well, etc. Here's an excellent description of a person who lives well by this rule.

What would you like to add to this?