Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Matthew 7:9-12.
It is commonly referred to as the “Golden Rule.” It is a simple, straightforward guide on how to treat other people: “...do to others what you would have them do to you….” I also note that, according to the NIV, Jesus leads into that lesson with the phrase “So in everything, do to others…” What if all of us approached every encounter with another person or group by asking ourselves, “Is what I am about to say or do what I would want said or done to me in this situation?” I’m guessing the world would be a much better place.
In other philosophies and religions, this principle was stated in negative terms: Don’t do to someone else what you don’t want done to you. Not only does Jesus state it in a positive way, he invites us to take the initiative, not waiting for someone to do something good to us before acting. Here’s how Eugene Peterson states it in The Message: “Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Sometimes we can be content with saying (or at least thinking) “I haven’t done anything wrong or negative toward that person.” Jesus calls us well beyond that. He wants his followers to be those who are always looking for opportunities to spread the seeds of good actions and words toward other people. Let’s do it!
Personal Worship Option:
Who is God reminding you of right now who needs to hear an encouraging word or receive an act of kindness? What are you waiting for?
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