The Golden Rule

I am sure you have heard the Golden Rule from Luke 6:31-32, which says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (NIV) Perhaps you have heard it stated like this, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This is straight from Jesus and a good rule to live by.

Christianity is not the only religion to have a rule like this. Confucianism has what is called the Silver Rule: ‘What you do not wish done to you, do not do to others.’ This is basically the Golden Rule stated in the negative form.

The Golden Rule works very well if used correctly. However, it is very easy to apply this in the wrong way. I know I have. How could you apply such a wonderful concept incorrectly? Actually, it is quite easy if you do not consider the context of the rule.

The verses immediately preceding the Golden Rule say:

²⁷…Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, ²⁸bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. ²⁹If anyone hits you on the cheek, offer the other also. And if anyone takes away your coat, don’t hold back your shirt either. ³⁰Give to everyone who asks you, and from one who takes your things, don’t ask for them back. (Luke 6:27-30 HCSB)

The context of the section containing the Golden Rule is all about doing what is best for someone else even if it is difficult. The rule is about doing the right thing. It is important to note that the right thing may not be the first thing that comes to mind. To apply the Golden Rule correctly, you have to understand the needs of the other person.

I often phrase the rule this way to myself, “Treat others as you would want to be treated if you were in their exact situation.” One problem I have in doing this is seeing things from someone else’s perspective, but you absolutely have to do that to live out this rule. Without understanding the needs and backgrounds of the people you are trying to help, you could harm them.

An extreme example may illustrate this point. Say you are walking in the woods one day and hear splashing and screaming. You run through the trees to see someone splashing in a lake who is tangled up in rope. You were already thirsty before hearing the screams. The run to the lake made your throat feel like sandpaper. You could apply “do unto others as you would have them do to you” literally. You might think, I am very thirsty, and I would really like a drink of water from this jug of mine. Therefore, I will toss my jug to that drowning man so he can have a drink of refreshing water. I am really sacrificing here. I am such an awesome Christian.

That is obviously an absurd example, but it clearly shows what misapplying this rule can lead to hurting someone when you intended to help. Unfortunately, this happens frequently.

I am by no means saying that you should not try to apply the Golden Rule as much as possible. You simply need to give some thought as to how you wish to help someone before you do it.