July 2001
The Golden Rule
| In Matthew 7:12, we find "The Golden Rule." Some of Jesus' teachings, such as loving our neighbor as our self, loving our enemies and doing unto others as we would have them do unto us, are so high above our selfish human nature that we are in the habit of excusing ourselves from even trying to live up to them by saying to ourselves that Jesus surely knew that He was setting before us impossible ideals. However, Jesus Himself lived up to them, and taught unequivocally that we must keep our hearts free from resentment, no matter how we may be mistreated; and not only that, but that we should actually seek the welfare of those who seek to hurt us. Not possible? Yes, it is, in some measure, by the strictest self-discipline, and by the gracious help of God, possible to love those who hate us. To practice the Golden Rule, even in small measure, makes us happy, helps us in our business, and in every relation of life. It is the most practical thing in this world. In serving others we serve ourselves. People like to deal with those who believe in and practice the Golden Rule. Try it, and see. Taken from Halley's Bible Handbook by Henry H. Halley |