Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotations are from the King James Version.
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). The first part of these words spoken by Jesus, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them,” is called the Golden Rule. Another way of saying it is “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” The Golden Rule is a wonderful motto, but one that is followed by very few. However, if every one would live by this, we would need neither jails nor police. True Christians do follow this. Stephen was an example. When he was being stoned, he was praying for his enemies. Christ, as He was dying on the cross, prayed for those who were crucifying Him. When the world turns against God, He sends rain and sunshine along with many other blessings.
Many times we pray to God and ask Him to forgive us, yet we fail to forgive others. We expect Him to forgive us, but according as Christ taught us to pray, we are asking God to not forgive us. If we expect Him to forgive, we must first forgive.
Too many times when someone has mistreated us, we try to get even. We watch for opportunity to mistreat them and then try to excuse ourselves by saying, “They did not speak to me.” Maybe if we would right here put the Golden Rule into practice and speak to them, they would speak back. When Judas came and kissed Christ, thus pointing Him out to the mob, Jesus called him “friend.”
“Be ye therefore perfect” was spoken for us as well as the people in Jesus’ day. It is a hard thing to live up to, and few do. But that will not excuse the rest of us. We cannot answer in the Judgment that our brothers or sisters did not live perfect lives in the flesh. Jesus lived a perfect life, although He was tempted in all points like as we. He left us an example that we should follow in His steps. We must not be satisfied with our life until we can truthfully say we are living as perfect a life as Christ. Maybe we fail to pray enough. Christ prayed often and sometimes spent all night in prayer. Yet we think we have prayed a long time if we spend half an hour in prayer. Prayer is the secret of the child of God’s life. We need to spend more time also in the study of His Word.
From “The Advocate of Truth”. July 26, 2010.
The Church of God - Publishing House - Salem, West Virginia
