Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. (NLT)

Do you recognize the verse above as the “Golden Rule?” I recognize it, but do I always practice it? No!  I can repeat it over and over, “Do to others what I want them to do to me,” but I often fall short! Then, Jesus makes another profound statement, saying this rule is the essence of ALL that is taught in the law and prophets! The Law and Prophets are the Old Testament's teachings that include the first five books of the Bible and the writings of the prophets. So now Jesus is saying that this ONE command also summarizes a big chunk of the Bible! It seems like it should be easy to follow ONE command, but is it?  

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This “Golden Rule” even appears in various renderings in other parts of the Bible. Luke 6:31 is a parallel account of today’s verse. In Leviticus 19:18 Moses taught, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus proclaims that to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind is the greatest commandment, and the second is that you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Paul writes in Romans 13:8 that to love one another fulfills the law.  

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This ONE command is given to us in various parts of the Bible to follow, but I still often fall short. It sounds so easy to treat others like I want to be treated, but it isn’t. Why?  

I think it is because I am human and struggle within myself and in relationships with others. I struggle when I speak before I think, but when I speak kind, respectful words, I encourage growth in relationships. I struggle when I do not fulfill a need that I see; however, when I am generous, I and others are blessed. I struggle in a disagreement when I do not feel heard, but when I listen with respect, wounds in the relationship can be healed. After reflecting on my struggles and the ways I want to act, I realized that my struggles are sins! I need to confess my sins to Jesus, so He can fill me with love to follow His command.

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In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Jesus needs to serve as my guide for how I love and treat others. When I want for other people what I want for myself, I can live by this passage and love others as I love myself by the power of the Holy Spirit!

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The Golden Rule can set the rules of engagement with those closest to us, other family members, friendships and even our encounters with strangers. If we follow this command of Jesus, the results could be powerful! Imagine the transformations in our ACF community, Eagle River, and throughout Alaska that could take place! Conflicts would diminish, understanding and empathy would flourish, and the love of Jesus would shine through us. Is there a gap between what you are doing and what you want to be doing? This is where the God of the impossible can step in to help us live the Golden Rule.  

I praise You God, for giving me this command to love You and to love others as the essence of Your Word. Please give me strength and courage to live this way! I want to treat others just like I want to be treated! Help me to continuously carry this verse in my heart and mind. Let it guide my interactions and conversations with others to reflect the love of Jesus in everything I do. I love You, Jesus. Amen.