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Matthew 7:12 “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.”
The Golden Rule was a principle which had been taught prior to Jesus teaching the Sermon on the Mount. But the earliest recordings of this principle are in the negative (e.g., “Whatever you do not want others to do to you, do not do to them.”)
As He has done all throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus takes the teachings and principles many in the crowd were familiar with and tweaks them to make them even more profound. With the golden rule, it isn’t too difficult to live in such a way that you’re not intentionally harming others (the former teaching). But to intentionally live in such a way that you are offering good to people no matter the circumstances (Jesus’ teaching) is much more challenging to apply.
Like the people in Jesus’ day, you may be tempted to live out the Golden Rule as it was known in that day and age. Today, think about intentional ways you may be able to apply this rule with everybody (whether one on one, email, text, etc.)
READING & PRAYERS:
MATTHEW 7:12-23 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What are some specific ways you can apply the Golden Rule with everybody you interact with today (whether one on one, via email, texts, etc.)?
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today’s reading was a good reminder that I am tempted to live out the Golden Rule as it was taught prior to Jesus rather than living it out the way He taught it on the Sermon on the Mount. Today, may I seek to speak to others (and about others) and treat them with the same level of respect, grace, kindness and love in which I would want them to speak to me. In Jesus name. Amen.
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