The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule wasn't invented by Jesus, but it was redefined by Him. When Jesus was growing up there was a different focus by the rabbi's on how we should treat others than what He eventually taught.

The rabbinic teaching of Jesus day on this "golden rule" was "Don't do to anyone what you wouldn't want done to you."

That pretty much summed up the idea of fairness and justice under the Law of Moses...don't do evil! The world would certainly be a better place even if only those who call themselves "Christians" would merely cease from doing evil to others.

But Jesus didn't call us to just stop doing and saying bad things to people - He called us to do good!

Matthew 7:12. So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (New International Version) 

Matthew 7:12 ``Do for others what you want them to do for you. This is the teaching of the laws of Moses in a nutshell. (Living Bible)

This is the ultimate 'proactive' lifestyle! This is a one-sentence success method guaranteed to work in all situations. 

You'll never need to buy another book on how to make friends, have a better marriage, be a dynamic people-person, or win at office politics!

Just do for others, in everything, what you want them to do for you. Start with an attitude of grace and forgiveness!

Remember - this isn't calling us to grant forgiveness for what someone has done to someone else...it's forgiveness for what someone has done to you! Which, also requires us to be understanding of someone who can't bring themselves to forgive us.

Okay, so this isn't easy. That's what makes it 'golden' when we do it.