Do Unto Others

“¹²So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12 (ESV)

Most have heard of the golden rule. We are to give what we expect. Well, I believe that we get that backward a lot of the time. We feel as though we should give as is given to us. If someone treats us right, we will treat them right, and if they treat us wrong we do the same. Notice how that is, we are reciprocating the behavior that is given to us.

Now, look at Jesus’ words from His Sermon on the Mount, we do first to others the we would like to be done to. In other words we give first, not with an expectation of return gifts, but with the love that God gives. We just give as we would want others to give to us. In the title to my writing this morning I stop with our actions as it is not about the actions we receive, but the actions that we give.

I think back at my actions as a dad at my boys athletic events. I was very vocal and loud at the officials of those events. I have been “kicked” out of games as a spectator because I was too critical and vocal. As I think back this morning I find myself wondering if I was following the golden rule in my actions and to some degree the answer is yes to the critical piece, but no in my approach. We should be critical or correcting when things are incorrect. Someone’s feelings should not stop us from being truthful, but the critique should be calm and measured and loving as opposed to loud and overtly vocal. I as a trained official myself sought to know when I was incorrect or got it wrong so that I knew for the next time. But I would push back if/when someone would lack caring in the their approach.

So here is the thing for today, do unto others as you expect them to do to you. It is important for us be the giver first and then allow others to do give back. We are to give the truth to others, yet we are to come from a place of love and care with our correction and teaching. We are give that which God has for us to give and allow others of receive it and give back when/where they feel a calling to, however our gift is not contingent on theirs. We give to them first and that gift is in a/the way that we would like to receive.

What is your approach to giving? Are you one that looks to give after you have received and in like manner? What if you were of the approach of giving first and in the way that you would prefer to receive if/when someone feels compelled to give back to you?