Reading the Word

Matthew 7:12 (ESV)

12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Parallel Text: Luke 6:31

Understanding and Applying the Word

This verse is commonly referred to as the Golden Rule. Jesus tells us that it is a summary statement for the Law and the Prophets. This means that the Old Testament Scriptures are summarized in this simple, yet profound command.

The Golden Rule calls us to action, not just restraint. We are to do what we wish others would do to us, not just refrain from doing the things we do not want done. It is easy to not hurt another person or to not steal from another person, etc. However, Jesus’ words call us to more than a list of “Thou shalt nots.” We are to actively show goodness and mercy to others. In this way, we imitate our Lord who shows his goodness and mercy each and every day to all people. Let us look for ways to do to others what we wish they would do for us.

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