You are no doubt familiar with what’s called “The Golden Rule.”
We find it in Matthew 7:12 where Jesus said, — “…in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
I think its fair to say that no other moral principle is more universally and self-evidently true and right than this one, and yet no other rule is so widely ignored as well.
How can I tell when I am beginning to live according to that rule? Twelve thoughts came to mind. Let me read them, slowly, for your own reflection.
I know that I am beginning to live according to the Golden Rule
- when someone else’s peace of mind is just as important to me as my own
- when making someone else’s day a little easier is just as satisfying as when someone helps me
- when I'm just as patient with others as I would like them to be with me
- when I overlook a careless remark just as graciously as I'd like others to overlook mine
- when I offer my friendship to those outside my circle of friends just as readily as I'd like others to offer me their friendship
- when I listen to others just as carefully as I would appreciate being listened to
- when I'm just as encouraging to those I meet as I would like them to be with me
- when I forgive or disregard inconsiderate behavior just as promptly as I'd like others to forgive or disregard mine
- when I am just as prayerful regarding someone else's concerns as I am with mine
- when I welcome or accept others in social gatherings just as naturally as I'd like to be welcomed or accepted
- when I entertain the best thoughts of those who cross my mind just as I would like them to entertain only the best thoughts of me
- when I refuse to lose hope in what God can do in someone else's life just as I’d like the people in my life to always be hopeful for me.
