The Golden Rule

Jesus summarized the Christian life in the simplest summation of all: "Just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise" (Luke 6:31). This we call the Golden Rule - the law of gold, a gold more precious than diamonds and rubies. Any child can recite the Golden Rule, but to make it an active part of daily living is no mean feat.

. . . Our response to petty criticism is often to retaliate in kind, instead of in kindness. This is where the Golden Rule touches life. Here is where Jesus spoke of not returning evil for evil. Doing to others what we want others to do to us is simply a matter of kindness. it involves being thoughtful and considerate. But it is more than mere politeness. It is doing what is right. It is doing what pleases God.

Righteousness means right living. It means treating people right. It means living with personal integrity. A righteous person is one whom we can trust. His integrity is consistent. It is not for sale. A righteous person is moral without being moralistic. He is pious without pietistic. He has a sense of concern for other peoples' feelings. He wants to treat people right because he has the over-arching desire to please a loving God.

-From Pleasing God by R.C. Sproul; part of The Inspirational Study Bible: New Century Version by Max Lucado

Do you give more than you take in your family, at church, and with friends? Do you look at any of these as people who "owe you" rather than you "owing them"? Put their needs ahead of your own. Practice the principles of Proverbs 19 with each of them.

Be honest - Proverbs 19:1
Do not act hastily - Proverbs 19:2
Accept responsibility for your actions - Proverbs 19:3
Seek wisdom - Proverbs 19:8
Be patient - Proverbs 19:11
Be kind - Proverbs 19:12
Children should act wisely; wives should not quarrel - Proverbs 19:13
Wives should be wise - Proverbs 19:14
Do not be lazy or idle - Proverbs 19:15, 24
Be obedient - Proverbs 19:16
Be kind to the poor - Proverbs 19:17
Discipline your children - Proverbs 19:18
Do not be quick tempered - Proverbs 19:19
Listen to advice and accept correction - Proverbs 19:20
Be loyal - Proverbs 19:22
Respect the Lord - Proverbs 19:23
Honor your parents - Proverbs 19:26

Live according to Philippians 2:3-5

When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others. (NCV)


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