Source sequence 27 of 85

The Golden Rule

Scripture

Primary passage

Matthew 7:12

12 Therefore, whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.

Primary passage · World English Bible

The command

Hear what Jesus commands.

Act toward others with the same thoughtful care you would hope to receive from them.

In context

Hear the whole passage.

Jesus summarizes the Law and the Prophets with a positive command requiring initiative, imagination, and action.

What this reveals

What this reveals about God.

Jesus forms people who move beyond avoiding harm to actively seeking another person’s good.

Practice this command

Take one concrete step.

Choose one person and ask what treatment you would value in their situation. Offer that practical consideration without waiting to be asked.

Discuss

Talk about it.

How does actively doing good demand more than simply avoiding behavior we would dislike?

Pray

Pray this.

Jesus, enlarge our imagination and love. Help us recognize what others need and take initiative for their good.

Teach

Teach it simply.

Teach the command as active neighbor-love, applied with attention to the other person rather than assuming everyone wants identical treatment.

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