“Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7.12 NIV). So goes the “Golden Rule.” While most of us recognize this as a biblical saying, the same principle has been expressed in various contexts and traditions—for example, by Hillel, a Jewish rabbi who lived about the same time as Jesus. And so, by itself, the saying seems to put forth a “common sense wisdom” that bases one’s action on one’s own self-interests or self-preservation.
Yet, Jesus’ teaching has been the primary source of most modern references. And sadly, it is taken out of its proper context. That easily leads to a misapplication of the biblical intent of the saying. For example, the Golden Rule was recently used to validate support of a lifestyle that violates the clear teaching of Scripture. The argument goes something like this: if you do not want your lifestyle to be questioned by others, don’t question other people’s lifestyle.
This abuse of the Golden Rule robs it of its value, for the true value of the saying lies in its biblical context. In Matthew’s Gospel, the Golden Rule comes as closing words to an extended teaching on the “greater righteousness” required of those who identify themselves as followers of Jesus. The primary focus is on the way of life that is characterized by submission to the reality of God’s rule (kingdom of heaven/God) in this world. Such rule is revealed and effected in Jesus Christ, which is a rule of grace and love toward undeserving sinners. There is both the recognition of human sinfulness, as well as the acknowledgement of divine grace. God will judge sin, all sin; but he also offers forgiveness and renewal when we submit to his lordship over our lives. In other words, the saying is a call to exceptional benevolence under the leadership of Jesus. The standard is not self or self-interests, but Jesus’ loving lordship. The Rule is about “conduct growing out of the restored relationships between God and his own and among his own…. The primary focus of this saying is on doing for others rather than on what one will have done in return” (Robert A. Guelich).
Properly applied, then, the Golden Rule is not about what I want or even what the other person wants; it’s really about what the Lord wants. And what the Lord wants is always for the greatest benefit of all. It’s about standing for what is right under God, regardless of my opinions or that of others. For what matters is God’s evaluation of all things—not mine, not others’. From a true disciple’s perspective, what I would like others to do is to help me live a life faithful to my Lord—whether it means encouragement or correction. This is the “gold” in the Golden Rule.
—Keith Jainga