The Golden Rule is an ethic that is recognized by most people around the world. As a child I was taught to treat others as I want to be treated. This is what I was taught. and I liked the concept. But had little power to implement in my own strength, especially when others did not treat me well.
I was bullied in elementary school, largely because there was only one other person taller than I was in my grade. I was also a really good athlete, better than several of the boys. Regardless of the reasons, it was really challenging to treat everyone the way I wanted to be treated. Experience tells me all people have natural challenges living the Golden Rule.
Fast forward a decade or so, and I discovered where the rule comes from. Jesus of Nazareth taught the golden rule. “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.” Matthew 7:12 He makes it clear here that this concept is behind all our Creator has intended for us. This alone was encouraging for me, but it was learning where the powerful love comes from, to be able to continually improve my ability to live it, that made the difference for me.
On my own, I am not able to muster up enough strength to love others consistently. Focusing on the love our Maker has for me, for us, makes a big difference. “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first.” 1 John 4:18-19 We are all able to draw on our Creators perfect love when ours falls short.
Around the same time, I learned an equally importantly lesson. I learned that by choosing to begin a personal relationship with Jesus of Nazareth, Creator’s Holy Spirit lives in me. My loving God helps me to forgive. The Holy Spirit helps me overcome my fears and weaknesses, giving me the power to love as our Creator does. I am still learning more about living the Golden Rule, and it is rewarding.
We live in a world that is often unkind. That is why we need to lean in, even more, to the One who is able to empower us to live the Golden Rule.
Abba, Thank you for inspiring the Golden Rule, but even more, thank you for giving us the resources to practice it. Help us to lean in to you so we can bring more kindness into the world. Amen
Thank you, Andrea for explaining that the intention to live the Golden Rule can be in in our hearts, minds and wills, but the ability to live it comes through accessing the eternal resources released through the Godhead. I wonder what it would be like to experiment with living the Golden Rule when it comes to our relationship with God? Hmmm. Think I’ll try it.
Yes to our relationship with God. I did not have room to cover that there, but we can only love because God loves us first. there is, possibly always, synergy in relationships. . . . Let me know how it goes=}!