The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:9–12
Verse 12 is commonly referred to as “the Golden Rule.” The principle is that what people ordinarily want others to do for them should be what they practice toward those others. This principle summarizes the essential teachings of the Law and the Prophets. But such a principle cannot be consistently practiced by a natural person.
Only a righteous person is able to practice this rule and thereby demonstrate the spiritual change that has come about in his life. An individual who is able to live this kind of life obviously possesses the righteousness Jesus demanded. Such a person’s righteous acts do not save him, but because he has been delivered he is able to demonstrate true righteousness toward others. 1
Personal Encouragement
The more love you receive from Your Father, the more love you can give to others. Who can you shower godly love upon today? Will you actually do it?
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5
I have learned that The Golden Rule is impossible to do, without You.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for always giving me more than I ever asked for.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
