When I was little, I remember being in Sunday school, and having golden cut out keys everywhere. On the key were the words, “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.” I believe I was taught this principle (the Golden Rule) before any of the other things I learned about God.
Don’t be mean to that little girl, do unto others…
Don’t hit him, do unto others…
I can hear the words echoing in my head over and over again.
In Leviticus we are introduced to a passage that demonstrates the Golden Rule plus some…
And if your brother becomes poor beside you and sells himself to you, you shall not compel him to serve as a bondman (a slave not eligible for redemption), But as a hired servant and as a temporary resident he shall be with you; he shall serve you till the Year of Jubilee, And then he shall depart from you, he and his children with him, and shall go back to his own family and return to the possession of his fathers. For the Israelites are My servants; I brought them out of the land of Egypt; they shall not be sold as bondmen. You shall not rule over him with harshness (severity, oppression), but you shall [reverently] fear your God. (Leviticus 25:39-43, AMP)
This verse takes the idea of doing for others just one step further; this passage encourages us to treat others better than you would treat yourself.
So, how well do you treat yourself? Truth is I don’t treat myself well at all. I am critical, harsh, judgmental, condescending, and unforgiving when it comes to me. I am my own worst enemy.
To live out this verse, I will have to do better than living the golden rule.
A member of the community (a brother) is in trouble. This could be anyone, a person in our church, our neighborhood, of own family, or extended Christian family that is experiencing some form of trouble; whether it be emotional, financial, or spiritual. As followers of Christ, we are called to take them under our wings, and help them get back on their feet; not to chastise them and teach them their lesson, but to extend grace and mercy to them.
“…don’t be harsh with them, don’t treat them poorly, but instead reverently fear Your God.” (Leviticus 25:43)
We are told to treat them well, and to help them out of their circumstance, to love them through their situation, just as God would do for any of us. To help rebuild the person and return them to their life in a better, more experienced position; to empower the individual to help someone else, and to spread the love of God.
My new Golden Rule?
Take care of and love others, as you would want God to take care of and love you.
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