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.
Jesus did not say, “do unto others as they do unto you”. He did not advocate “tit-for-tat” but to treat others the way that we expect them to treat us. He said, if you don’t like to be slandered, then, don’t gossip. If you don’t like to be critiqued and judged, then don’t pass judgment on others. If you don’t like your silly mistakes to be made blown out of proportion, then, don’t publicize the pitfalls of others. He said, extend the same kindness that you expect from others, to them. Jesus always led by example. He gave His disciples both the principle and the practical application of the rule book. Just as He submitted Himself into the hands of the detractors to be arrested, Simon Peter, (personal assistant of Jesus) who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus) (John 18:10). Jesus rebuked Peter and He touched the man’s ear and healed him (Luke 22:51). Jesus left the servant Malchus dumbfolded at the garden where He was arrested. The man who came to hurt Jesus received a healing touch. Historians say that He had a change of heart and followed Jesus.
At the end of our lives we will not be judged by how many diplomas we received, how much money we have or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry you gave me to eat. I was naked you clothed me. I was homeless. You took me in – Mother Teresa.
We will be judged by the way we treat others. The above verse Matthew 7:12 is taught in schools as “The Golden Rule”.
Three simple steps to exhibit the Golden Rule:
- Retaliate: Don’t retaliate. Retaliation is a vicious circle of wickedness that repeats the violence over and over again. A small misunderstanding can grow into a nasty animosity if it is powered by retaliation. When anger is fueled by words, actions or deeds, walk away, drink some water and zip your lip to subside the thirst of retaliation. Break the vicious cycle of retaliation and forgive. Return kindness for cruelty.
- Rebuff: Don’t be quick to reject, snub or repulse. Reactionary emotions will make quick conclusions and hurtful statements like “You will never change”; “You are always mean”. When the emotional pain is intense, our words must be few. Don’t make permanent decisions on temporary feelings – because feelings change! Stop ruminating on your own justice. Step into the shoes of the other person, analyze their perspective before pronouncing the final verdict. Step out and reassess before you reject.
- Redeem: When we don’t retort and retaliate, it does not make us weaklings but heroes. Choose the high road. Always choose a better, kinder and superior response than the person who is hurting you. Be the bigger person. Evil can never be redeemed by evil. Redeem evil with good.
Jesus did not say payback, tongue lash or retaliate – He said, treat others the way you would like to be treated.
Proverbs 24:29 Do not say, “Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.”
Prayer: King Jesus, help me to choose politeness over nastiness, humility over pride and forgiveness over revenge. Help me to reflects you. Amen.
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