Devotion:
Read Matthew 7:12.
You will likely remember this as the “Golden Rule,” which parents have been quoting to their children since Jesus uttered these words as part of his Sermon on the Mount. I remember it best in the King James Version, from which my parents quoted, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I most often heard that when I had done unto my younger brother something I would not have wanted done unto me! Like so many of Jesus’ teachings, this one is simple and easy to understand, even in the Old English, but it is not so easy to follow.
This verse tells me that before I snap back at someone with a harsh response to the point or argument they have made, I must stop and think about how I would like to have my response said to me. Hmmm...perhaps this even means that when I see cutting political comments on social media that make my blood pressure rise, I might best pause before hitting the “Reply” stroke and to reflect on how my response might be received and whether I would want to be the recipient. In the polarized and argumentative culture in which we live, this is a really timely devotional reading. Jesus clearly would have us do or say only those things we would like to have said or done to us.
Personal Worship Option:
Read this verse again and reflect on the encounters you will have today (or tomorrow if you are doing your devotion in the evening). We cannot anticipate every negative encounter, but we can be prepared to respond as Christ would have us do. Pray for the faith, patience, and humility to do just that!
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