Word@Work Luke90 - Luke 6:31
Published: Tue, 04/27/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
THE GOLDEN RULE
Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. (NIV)
This verse has been referred to as the 'Golden Rule'. It is simple, unambiguous, non-compromising; and interestingly, it resonates with our instinct for natural justice and is echoed by many philosophies. We know that it is the essence of God's law to Israel, because Jesus says that this command sums up the teaching of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12). In other words, this is what God expects of the citizens of His kingdom.
Although it sounds good, and it is (!), do you know anybody who always succeeds in doing it? The only person who has is Jesus. He came to fulfil the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). But we cannot keep this rule because everybody is born as sinners, and we still have a nature which can respond to sin. Sin's essence is to be self-pleasing not others-serving; and whenever we fall to temptation we are unable to relate with others as Jesus wants us to. So why has He given us a command which we cannot keep?
Firstly it is important to know God's standard for behaviour. If we do not know, we have nothing to aim for: and also we will not know when we have fallen short, so that we can seek His mercy and renewing. But there is help. Jesus came so that He could break the power which sin holds over us (see www.crosscheck.org.uk). When people are born again by the Holy Spirit, they start a new life in which sin does not have to win in our lives (Romans 6:14). Then we can learn how to relate to others as we read the Word and allow His Spirit to work in us so that we may please Him (Romans 15:1-2). So, how far have you got in learning to relate with others as Jesus did? Now we know the 'golden rule' lets ask for His help to do it.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for giving us clear guidance about how to relate with others, at home, in the church, in the community and at work. Please forgive me when I have broken Your heart by treating others selfishly. Please help me to be aware of this verse through this day and in the weeks to come, so that I may not excuse wrong behaviour. I want to be open to Your Holy Spirit's help so that I may obey Jesus. Please show me how to live so that Your Name will be glorified. For Christ's sake. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
This verse has been referred to as the 'Golden Rule'. It is simple, unambiguous, non-compromising; and interestingly, it resonates with our instinct for natural justice and is echoed by many philosophies. We know that it is the essence of God's law to Israel, because Jesus says that this command sums up the teaching of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12). In other words, this is what God expects of the citizens of His kingdom.
Although it sounds good, and it is (!), do you know anybody who always succeeds in doing it? The only person who has is Jesus. He came to fulfil the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). But we cannot keep this rule because everybody is born as sinners, and we still have a nature which can respond to sin. Sin's essence is to be self-pleasing not others-serving; and whenever we fall to temptation we are unable to relate with others as Jesus wants us to. So why has He given us a command which we cannot keep?
Firstly it is important to know God's standard for behaviour. If we do not know, we have nothing to aim for: and also we will not know when we have fallen short, so that we can seek His mercy and renewing. But there is help. Jesus came so that He could break the power which sin holds over us (see www.crosscheck.org.uk). When people are born again by the Holy Spirit, they start a new life in which sin does not have to win in our lives (Romans 6:14). Then we can learn how to relate to others as we read the Word and allow His Spirit to work in us so that we may please Him (Romans 15:1-2). So, how far have you got in learning to relate with others as Jesus did? Now we know the 'golden rule' lets ask for His help to do it.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for giving us clear guidance about how to relate with others, at home, in the church, in the community and at work. Please forgive me when I have broken Your heart by treating others selfishly. Please help me to be aware of this verse through this day and in the weeks to come, so that I may not excuse wrong behaviour. I want to be open to Your Holy Spirit's help so that I may obey Jesus. Please show me how to live so that Your Name will be glorified. For Christ's sake. Amen.
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