Matthew 7:12 In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

This statement is often known as The Golden Rule. The Jews were familiar with something like this but always in the negative form. Only Jesus expressed the rule positively. That is to say, we are not merely to stop thieving, lying and killing but to go out of our way to love, care and encourage. And the reason for living in this way is that surely this is exactly how we would like other people to treat us.

Jesus plainly saw this simple and clear rule as a summary of His Sermon on the Mount. This principle should be shaping the way in which we live day by day. So our first task is to decide how we like to be treated. It would be excellent if you could take some time today to make a list of the things that are important for you. If you want to be loved, respected and listened to then that’s exactly the way in which you need to act towards others. It’s as simple as that!

The Golden Rule is very similar to the command to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. That is to say we need to start our thinking by reflecting on ourselves. This isn’t a command to be selfish! It is only selfish if the thinking stops with us. Having done our thinking about what we enjoy and appreciate we are then in the position to reach out in love to those around us.

Question – What do you want other people to do for you?

Prayer – Lord God, help me to love others in the way that I want to be loved. Amen

Released on 12 Nov 2026