Daily Devotion, October 1, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 7:12.

“Do unto others what you would have them do unto you” is often referred to as “the golden rule”.   That's what it's called, but Jesus isn't as concerned that we know the "rule" as much as He is that we live the "golden life."  This idea of doing for others what we would want done for us summarizes Jesus' teaching to his disciples about how to live for and serve others. It also reminds us of the spirit of the Old Testament Law and the teaching of the prophets. Living to bless others is God's desire for us in all of our relationships. We are not here to live for ourselves, but to bless others in the name of Jesus. This kind of life is meaningful and fulfilling. God can use our lives in ways we would never anticipate to touch the lives of others.

Jesus calls us to think about how we would want to be treated, including being forgiven by others and then treat others that way. It is indeed a call to a loving and forgiving action which can be world-changing when implemented because we then begin to live lives of empathy, harmony, and love. This verse makes it clear that how you treat other people is important. Being a Christian is not just about our personal relationship with God and how he forgives us, but about the importance of our relationships with and forgiveness of other people as well. Personal Worship Option: Heavenly Father, I pray that all we say and do honors You. May our actions and attitudes please you as we try to live out our Christian lives. AMEN.