The Golden Rule

This month, we've made Made in Heaven, our featured class--which is all about how to build more love into your most important relationships. To kick off the new month, I decided to pull out this old post. It's actually an excerpt from a powerful, even older book, "Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing". You'll find it a blessing and challenge!

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,
do ye even so to them." Matthew 7:12Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets..

On the assurance of the love of God toward us, Jesus enjoins love to one another, in one comprehensive principle covering all the relations of human fellowship.

The Jews had been concerned about what they should receive; the burden of their anxiety was to secure what they thought their due of power and respect and service. But Christ teaches that our anxiety should not be, How much are we to receive? but, How much can we give? The standard of our obligation to others is found in what we ourselves would regard as their obligation to us.

In your association with others, put yourself in their place. Enter into their feelings, their difficulties, their disappointments, their joys, and their sorrows. Identify yourself with them, and then do to them as, were you to exchange places with them, you would wish them to deal with you. This is the true rule of honesty. It is another expression of the law. "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." . And it is the substance of the teaching of the prophets. It is a principle of heaven, and will be developed in all who are fitted for its holy companionship.

The golden rule is the principle of true courtesy, and its truest illustration is seen in the life and character of Jesus. Oh, what rays of softness and beauty shone forth in the daily life of our Saviour! What sweetness flowed from His very presence! The same spirit will be revealed in His children. Those with whom Christ dwells will be surrounded with a divine atmosphere. Their white robes of purity will be fragrant with perfume from the garden of the Lord. Their faces will reflect light from His, brightening the path for stumbling and weary feet.

No man who has the true ideal of what constitutes a perfect character will fail to manifest the sympathy and tenderness of Christ. The influence of grace is to soften the heart, to refine and purify the feelings, giving a heaven-born delicacy and sense of propriety.

But there is a yet deeper significance to the golden rule. Everyone who has been made a steward of the manifold grace of God is called upon to impart to souls in ignorance and darkness, even as, were he in their place, he would desire them to impart to him. The apostle Paul said, "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise." . By all that you have known of the love of God, by all that you have received of the rich gifts of His grace above the most benighted and degraded soul upon the earth are you in debt to that soul to impart these gifts unto him.

So also with the gifts and blessings of this life: whatever you may possess above your fellows places you in debt, to that degree, to all who are less favored. Have we wealth, or even the comforts of life, then we are under the most solemn obligation to care for the suffering sick, the widow, and the fatherless exactly as we would desire them to care for us were our condition and theirs to be reversed.

“Whatever you may possess above your fellows places you in debt, to that degree, to all who are less favored.”

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The golden rule teaches, by implication, the same truth which is taught elsewhere in the Sermon on the Mount, that "with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." That which we do to others, whether it be good or evil, will surely react upon ourselves, in blessing or in cursing. Whatever we give, we shall receive again. The earthly blessings which we impart to others may be, and often are, repaid in kind. What we give does, in time of need, often come back to us in fourfold measure in the coin of the realm. But, besides this, all gifts are repaid, even in this life, in the fuller inflowing of His love, which is the sum of all heaven's glory and its treasure. And evil imparted also returns again. Everyone who has been free to condemn or discourage, will in his own experience be brought over the ground where he has caused others to pass; he will feel what they have suffered because of his want of sympathy and tenderness.

“Everyone who has been free to condemn or discourage, will in his own experience be brought over the ground where he has caused others to pass.”

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It is the love of God toward us that has decreed this. He would lead us to abhor our own hardness of heart and to open our hearts to let Jesus abide in them. And thus, out of evil, good is brought, and what appeared a curse becomes a blessing.

The standard of the golden rule is the true standard of Christianity; anything short of it is a deception. A religion that leads men to place a low estimate upon human beings, whom Christ has esteemed of such value as to give Himself for them; a religion that would lead us to be careless of human needs, sufferings, or rights, is a spurious religion. In slighting the claims of the poor, the suffering, and the sinful, we are proving ourselves traitors to Christ. It is because men take upon themselves the name of Christ, while in life they deny His character, that Christianity has so little power in the world. The name of the Lord is blasphemed because of these things.

Of the apostolic church, in those bright days when the glory of the risen Christ shone upon them, it is written that no man said "that aught of the things which he possessed was his own." "Neither was there any among them that lacked." "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." ; .

Search heaven and earth, and there is no truth revealed more powerful than that which is made manifest in works of mercy to those who need our sympathy and aid. This is the truth as it is in Jesus. When those who profess the name of Christ shall practice the principles of the golden rule, the same power will attend the gospel as in apostolic times.

Comments

How do you react to this excerpt? Do you find it challenging? Overwhelming? Inspiring? What part stands out most to you? What application do you take away from this article?

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	Posted by Dan Vis on 12/19/22
	Great takeaway and application Teverly. I especially appreciate the emphasis on caring especially for the people around us. Those near, right at hand. Sometimes these are harder to give to because the need can be so overwhelming, while giving to something distant is sort of an easy one and done. But I think the rewards of giving to our own service efforts are worth it.

	Posted by Tev Gray on 12/15/22
	I am inspired to give more, as I consider that "whatever you may possess above your fellows places you in debt, to that degree, to all who are less favored". The Lord is counting on us to care for His people around us, who have less than we do, just as they did in the beginning when the disciples were in one accord & sharing all resources. The application I am taking is to develop a giving attitude - to ensure I always have a specific, systematic giving plan, that I am actioning. This may be a tangible thing but may also be of my time or my talent, etc.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 12/11/22
	It is all those things and more, isn't it Lana. I should post a few more of these super awesome chapters...

	Posted by Lana Rose on 12/11/22
	Interesting reading! I found it challenging, overwhelming and convicting. It was also inspiring! Wow! Humbling to see how much more of God's love I need to let flow through me to others. Also very humbling to realize how much God's love flows from His heart to me every day! "No man who has the true ideal of what constitutes a perfect character will fail to manifest the sympathy and tenderness of Christ. The influence of grace is to soften the heart, to refine and purify the feelings, giving a heaven-born delicacy and sense of propriety." I pray that God will continue to deepen my understanding of the golden rule!

	Posted by Dan Vis on 12/09/22
	Amen! It's so simple, but so profound isn't it Valerie? I suppose we could say, if we don't really have a clear conception of what true love is, it's very hard to be deeply convicted of our own condition. Which is the first step in the Gospel: Admit...

	Posted by Valerie Wise Burrell on 12/09/22
	Dan, Practice the principles of the golden rule seems to be a very simple command but selfishness gets in the way. Nonetheless, that's where I have to die to the flesh and walk after the Spirit, right? In my own strength I cannot be generous, unselfish, merciful but in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, it is possible. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift!

	Posted by Dan Vis on 12/08/22
	Amen Carlota. This is right at the heart of what makes heaven heaven isn't it? To have this at our heart here and now is what prepares us for then and there...

	Posted by Carlota Belmo on 12/07/22
	Oh, to be more like Jesus! When I can take self out of the way, and treat others how I would like to be treated, it would make a big difference in my Christian walk. The golden rule applies in every situation.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 12/07/22
	Yeah, that is pretty convicting. The whole article is really good!

	Posted by Mike Carner on 12/06/22
	The part about that anything we have more than others places us in debt to minister to their needs. A truly challenging and inspiring thought.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 12/04/22
	Great takeaway! :)

	Posted by Louise P on 12/03/22
	Matthew 22:39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.; Romans 1:14I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.; Acts 2:46,47And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, . . . Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.; Acts 4:32-3432 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,... These all enrich and add depth to the meaning of the Golden Rule. One application I take from this article is to ask God if there is something I am doing or not doing that is blocking the Golden Rule from being carried out in my life.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 11/28/22
	Great highlights Annalise! So much good stuff in this passage...

	Posted by Annalise Felkel on 11/28/22
	These are the points that have stood out to me the most... - Put yourself in the other persons shoes, and try to imagine how they feel, their discouragements, their hardships, their suffering, their joy. Now if you were them, how would you want someone to interact/react with you? The same is with the grace God has bestowed upon us. If we meet someone who is in ignorance and darkness, how must that poor soul feel? And how would he like to hear about the grace of God, does he want to be hammered over the head with condemnation, or would he respond better to gentle loving words of kindness? "Everyone who has been made a steward of the manifold grace of ".So also with the gifts and blessings of this life: whatever you may possess above your fellows places you in debt, to that degree, to all who are less favored. Have we wealth, or even the comforts of life, then we are under the most solemn obligation to care for the suffering sick, the widow, and the fatherless exactly as we would desire them to care for us were our condition and theirs to be reversed." "When those who profess the name of Christ shall practice the principles of the golden rule, the same power will attend the gospel as in apostolic times." I.E then we will have another pentecost - so big it will encircle the globe.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 02/08/22
	Yes, exactly. The final revival is going to include a deeper understanding of the love of God, and revelation of that love, perhaps more than any other single thing. I loved your post Georgia!

	Posted by Georgia Kenny on 02/07/22
	I definitely find this challenging! Well, put simply I know it’s just IMPOSSIBLE for me to live this way, of myself. I see a strong call to prayer to Him who alone can make this possible! Ezekiel 36:26,27A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. . . . And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.. Psalms 51:10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.. 143:10. I also see a strong connection between revival and character, and the power to light the world being found in people who live by the golden rule. People who Christ lives within. As in, it won’t be more programs or preaching, of themselves, that take the gospel to the world, but the power of transformed lives. God’s work in the heart will declare the Gospel to the world!

	Posted by Dan Vis on 02/07/22
	I think this is what's at the heart of the 3rd commandment--taking the Lord's name in vain. Thanks for highlighting that line Dianne. And beautiful prayer!

	Posted by Dianne Knudson on 02/07/22
	“It is because men take upon themselves the name of Christ, while in life they deny his character, that Christianity has so little power in the world.” This is so heartbreaking. And so true! Lord help your children to keep their eyes fixed on You so that You can change us into Your likeness!!!

	Posted by Dan Vis on 02/04/21
	Wow, I think I must have missed that line--or perhaps forgot it was here. That's powerful. I've said many times in our Care Group training, and elsewhere that love is the engine of evangelism. This statement really links up with that. Thanks Valerie for highlighting this!

	Posted by Valerie Wise Burrell on 02/04/21
	"When those who profess the name of Christ shall practice the principles of the golden rule, the same power will attend the gospel as in apostolic times." These words sum up what it means to be a Christian today; we are to practice the Golden Rule. Is it then any wonder that the world is consumed with acquiring material things and that that same spirit is in the church today? It is the tool of Satan to distract God's people from the things that really matter. However, God's remedy is the Pattern of Christ. When we follow His example, everyone benefits and the Gospel is experienced fully!

	Posted by Dan Vis on 02/03/21
	You are very welcome Linda! Glad this was helpful. :)

	Posted by Linda Ryan on 02/02/21
	Profound and so wonderfully true! Thank you 🙏🏻 Dan.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 02/02/21
	Wow! Powerful quote Theda! Thanks for sharing. It does fit in very powerfully, doesn't it?

	Posted by Theda Phyllis Rall on 02/02/21
	Sorry Ps Dan for posting again. I found this interesting quote on going through Isaiah. It refers to Isaiah 9:20And he shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm:. You guys can Read the verse but Our SDA Commentary comments on this verse as such ....... "Selfishness at length consumes itself. He who is not interested in his neighbour's welfare is actually working against his own best interests. No man can in the long run, be happy and prosperous unless his neighbor is also happy. When one man builds himself up by oppressing his neighbor he prepares the way for his own destruction...

	Posted by Dan Vis on 02/02/21
	That was a really beautiful line, wasn't it Sherry? And such a beautiful prayer to ask God to create that in you. Needed so much more now than ever these days... And that last sentence was quite insightful Theda. In many ways, this is the real challenge of discipleship, isn't it? To live others unselfishly? Good post!

	Posted by Theda Phyllis Rall on 02/02/21
	What makes Christ so lovely is His unselfish unconditional love. The attitude and heart to serve, to care. We can see Jesus putting others first Becoming sad rather than defensive. We see a character without arrogance We see The Lord who provides instructing to give if somebody asks you for anything. Although the Rule says Love your neighbour like yourself, it really means actually losing yourself in the process a

	Posted by Sherry Olson on 02/01/21
	The statement, "No man who has the true ideal of what constitutes a perfect character will fail to manifest the sympathy and tenderness of Christ. The influence of grace is to soften the heart, refine and purify the feelings, giving a heaven born delicacy and sense of propriety." It is what I have been feeling a need of God to do for me. I am learning to give God permission to come into my heart and manifest the character trait of Christ that I need to overcome those "natural tendencies". I want that "heaven born delicacy and sense of propriety" so I can glorify God in my relations and conversations with others.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 03/04/19
	I think you are exactly right Rae! :) Glad these are a blessing for you Valerie. :)

	Posted by Valerie Wise Burrell on 03/03/19
	"The standard of the golden rule is the standard of Christianity; anything short of it is deception." C'est tout. That sums it up perfectly. I thank God for your Monday memos.

	Posted by Rae Robinson on 02/26/19
	Excellent! If everyone treated others with the golden rule, we'd have 99% less enemies and more people wanting to accept Jesus & His message of love and truth. Pray for this!

	Posted by Dan Vis on 02/26/19
	Nice thought Rhona! You may be exactly right. :) This is a pretty deep reading isn't it, Carole? Not always easy to connect with others like this, but it is part of becoming more like Christ...

	Posted by Carole Bliss on 02/25/19
	Most people are familiar with the Golden Rule. When I read the depth we need to go, in feeling the pain of another, feeling their loneliness and etc. I realize I can fall short many times. With God's heart, I will take the time to enter into the world of another person, more fully. Thank you BLESSINGS. Carole

	Posted by Rhona Brown on 02/25/19
	The statement “When those who profess the name of Christ shall practice the principles of the golden rule, the same power will attend the gospel as in apostolic times” made me think of of the text Ephesians 6:15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;. Several years ago when I was trying understand the meaning of the shoes it came to my mind the best way prepare the way to share the gospel is to be like Christ loving and kind. And truly that is the golden rule.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 02/25/19
	So many good statements in here, isn't there Pam. The first one you mentioned definitely leaped out at me after doing our course on Revival. Here's another that caught my eye this time around: He would lead us to abhor our own hardness of heart and to open our hearts to let Jesus abide in them. And thus, out of evil, good is brought... And that's a great pair of verses Joyce. Definitely does fit in with the reading!

	Posted by Joyce Augustinis on 02/25/19
	This verse I learned in Colossians this month fits right along with these thoughts. Colossians 3:14-1514 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful..

	Posted by Pamela Kendall on 02/25/19
	Powerful statement: When those who profess the name of Christ shall practice the principles of the golden rule, the same power will attend the gospel as in apostolic times. And this: all gifts are repaid, even in this life, in the fuller inflowing of His love, which is the sum of all heaven's glory and its treasure.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 06/14/17
	Thanks, Sherry. Congrats to you and your husband also. It is a blessing to focus on being an encouragement, isn't it?

	Posted by Sherry Olson on 06/11/17
	"Everyone who has been free to condemn or discourage, will in his own experience be brought over the ground where he has caused others to pass; he will feel what they have suffered because of his want of sympathy and tenderness." This should give us all pause, something to ponder upon and question ourselves about. I pray for the Lord to give me encouraging words,for His hand to be a guard over my lips, and to tame my tongue; as I was raised in a very negative environment, and I now have the opportunity to be such an influence in the lives of my grandchildren (husband and children too)and right now a niece who is staying with me. Remembering that my actions speak louder than words, I realize I don't have to talk at them about God and Jesus our Savior (or lecture them as my grandsons told me, love their honesty!)But I have the privilege to let Christ's light shine through me. I like your prayer Yvette. And a belated Happy Anniversary Dan and Vi, my husband and I just had our 37th anniversary.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 06/07/17
	What a beautiful prayer Yvette! Glad this passage spoke to you...

	Posted by yvette mcmurray on 06/07/17
	This message was confirmation for me. Thank you! We serve a mighty God that loves us so much. His leading, and encouragement is phenomenal. All His biddings are enablings. In His hand is power and might; and in His hand it is to make great, and to give strength to all. LORD help me to be single minded to your will and way, make me to live out the Golden Rule in my life LORD. In Jesus name, thank you.

	Posted by Lillian E. Cepeda on 06/07/17
	Dan, The Good Samaritan is one of my favorite parables. Maybe because am a nurse, and could not imagine seen someone in need, and just go by ignoring human suffering.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 06/07/17
	Thanks Marion and Ian. Appreciate the well wishes. Glad this article was encouraging!

	Posted by Ian on 06/07/17
	Congratulations Dan to you and your wife. I agree that we should put ourselves in the place of others especially the por and needy and the persecuted

	Posted by Marion Coppock on 06/06/17
	When we moved to Canada, the Junior High Public School had the Golden Rule as their motto. We were so happy that the principal stood firm on this principal. How things have changed that was in 1984. Happy Anniversary Dad & Vi. It has been a long time since 28 years for us, but it goes by so quickly. May God Bless you richly as you continue to serve Him.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 06/06/17
	Lillian, yes thanks for mentioning the Good Samaritan. :) Glad you were blessed by this post...

	Posted by Lillian E. Cepeda on 06/05/17
	Jesus' Mercy. The Golden Rule is Jesus' character. This excerpt touched my heart. It is so important to care for our neighbors, which reminds me of the Good Samaritan parable.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 06/05/17
	Great posts everyone! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this amazing passage. I wonder how much of this Paul had in mind when he talked about being "constrained" by the Love of Christ (II Corinthians 5:14-1514 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.).

	Posted by Ransom Davis on 06/05/17
	Here's the line that stood out to me: "Everyone who has been free to condemn or discourage, will in his own experience be brought over the ground where he has caused others to pass". Great article!

	Posted by Rashaun Vontae Walker on 06/05/17
	Its like you can feel it, you know. Trying to imagine being there at the very moment of a whole crowd trying to touch one man. How much power, how much truth and belief? If I had a smidgen of their faith today. Amen Thank you for sharing.

	Posted by Zewdi Isaac Enbom on 06/05/17
	This is an eye opener for me. Taking the time to step in their shoes would only be possible if Christ abides in our heart and leads us to be compassionate. May He guide our thoughts and ways always. Congratulations to both of you on your 28th Wedding Anniversary. May God continue to preserve you and bless your work as you continue to spread the Word of God. Zewdi

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