We come before the Lord with grateful hearts, reflecting on the profound truth of Luke 6:31, where our Savior Jesus Christ teaches, *"Do to others as you would have them do to you."* This commandment, often called the Golden Rule, is not merely a suggestion but a foundational principle for how we are to live as followers of Christ. It calls us to love actively, to extend grace, and to treat others with the same kindness, respect, and compassion that we ourselves desire.
This teaching is a beautiful reminder that our faith is not passive. Jesus does not say, *"Do not do to others what you would not want done to you,"* though that would still be a noble standard. Instead, He commands us to *do*—to take initiative in love, to seek the good of others, even when it is difficult or costly. This is the higher standard of the Gospel, one that reflects the very heart of God, who loved us first while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). If we are to walk in the light of Christ, we must embody this principle in our marriages, our families, our workplaces, and our communities.
Yet we must also recognize that this commandment is not a license for compromise with the world’s standards. The love we are called to extend is a *holy* love, one that aligns with God’s Word. We cannot use the Golden Rule as an excuse to ignore sin or to condone behavior that Scripture clearly calls unrighteous. For example, if someone desires to be affirmed in a same-sex relationship or in fornication, we cannot "do unto them" by compromising God’s design for marriage and sexuality. True love does not celebrate sin; it calls sinners to repentance and points them to the transforming grace of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:15). We must love others enough to speak the truth, even when it is uncomfortable, for the sake of their souls.
This principle also challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we truly desire for others to treat us with the same measure of grace that we extend to them? Or do we withhold forgiveness, harbor bitterness, or judge others harshly while expecting mercy for ourselves? Jesus warns us in Matthew 7:2, *"For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you."* If we want to receive kindness, we must first give it. If we long for understanding, we must offer it to others. This is the reciprocal nature of God’s kingdom.
Let us also remember that the Golden Rule is rooted in the character of God. In Luke 6:36, Jesus says, *"Therefore be merciful, just as your Father is also merciful."* Our ability to love others as we love ourselves comes from our relationship with the Father, who first loved us (1 John 4:19). Without Christ, we are incapable of living out this command in its fullness. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us (Luke 6:27-28). If you have not surrendered your life to Jesus, we urge you to do so today. There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Confess your sins, believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble and contrite hearts, seeking to live out the truth of Your Word. Lord, teach us to love others as You have loved us. Help us to see every person through Your eyes, with compassion and grace, even when it is difficult. Forgive us for the times we have failed to extend the love and kindness we ourselves desire. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit so that we may walk in obedience to Your commands.
Father, we pray for those who are struggling to love others, especially those who have hurt them. Heal their wounds and soften their hearts. Give them the strength to forgive as You have forgiven them (Colossians 3:13). We also pray for those who are living in sin, whether in broken relationships, sexual immorality, or other areas of disobedience. Lord, convict their hearts and lead them to repentance. May they experience the freedom and joy that comes from walking in Your ways.
Help us, Lord, to be a light in this dark world, reflecting Your love and truth in all that we do. May our lives be a testament to the transforming power of the Gospel. We ask all these things in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
