Living by the Golden Rule

Introduction

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This is the golden rule . Wise words . The interesting thing is that there are many people today who think that the golden rule is just wise words . Many people do not know that The golden rule is a biblical concept , that was given to us by Jesus himself . Because the golden rule was given to us by Jesus it is something that we as Christians should seek to live . So today we are going to talk about living the golden rule . The central message for today's sermon is :

Central Message

The Golden Rule reminds us of the importance of self-reflection, before judging others. Living out the Golden Rule transforms our relationships with God and with our community allowing us to reflect the heart of Jesus in our everyday lives.interactions.

Main Points

Your judgment of others will determine how God judges you.

We are called to be self aware.

Actively seek to do good, and treat people the way that you want to be treated.

Point 1: Your Judgment of others will determine how God judges you.

Illustration Imagine you’re out running errands, and someone suddenly cuts you off in traffic. Instinctively, you might label them as “rude” or “inconsiderate.” But then, a thought crosses your mind: what if they’re in a rush to get to the hospital, or racing to pick up a sick child? This scenario captures how easy it is to judge others without knowing their full story. In Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus addresses this human impulse with a challenging reminder: the way we judge others reflects the way God will judge us.

Matthew 7:1–2 NIV

1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Explanation of Text

When Scripture speaks to an issue, it often addresses one of three audiences: non-believers, believers, or both. In today’s passage, Jesus is specifically addressing believers, focusing on how we relate to one another

Jesus is not forbidding all judgment. The term “judge” here means forming a negative, condemning opinion about another person. Jesus teaches us that it is necessary to discern actions, but we are not to judge people in a way that diminishes them or elevates us. Any judgment should be done for the sake of correction and with a heart of love .

What Jesus condemned is hypocritical and harsh judgment—judgment that focuses on the flaws of others while ignoring or excusing our own faults. In this text Jesus is warning us against elevating ourselves above others through judgment. For example we know that stealing is wrong, and we should acknowledge that it is wrong. But We should not pass judgment on the person . We are judging the actions not the person. The tendency can be to label that person caught stealing as inferior or as “less than” simply because of that act. Jesus calls us to discern actions without condemning individuals. For believers, the natural inclination should be toward justice and reconciliation, not retribution. We can judge actions as right or wrong, but we are called to maintain a spirit of humility and grace, remembering that each person bears the image of God.

God extends grace to all of creation, yet He reminds us that there will be a day of judgment. Jesus tells us here that the standard we use for others will become the standard God uses for us. If we are harsh in our judgments, God will judge us harshly. If we are merciful, gentle, and loving in how we view others, God will reflect those same qualities toward us. Essentially, our treatment of others mirrors what we invite from God.

Question / Objection

Why would God’s judgment depend on how we judge others?

Answer

God wants our heart to more closely align with his heart.

The way we judge others reveals the state of our hearts and our understanding of God’s mercy, love, and forgiveness. When we are harsh, judgmental, or unforgiving, it shows that we may not fully grasp or appreciate the grace and patience God has extended to us. God, in His mercy, has shown compassion, patience, and grace. In response, He calls us to extend the same to others. Just as we have received mercy, grace, and compassion, so too are we called to be patient and forgiving with our brothers and sisters.

Application

Actions Do Not Always Equal Character Some of you may struggle with the idea that actions don’t always define a person’s character. But let’s reflect on our own lives for a moment: think of a time when you acted wrongly or fell into sin. It shouldn’t be hard—we’ve all been there. Imagine if, for years, people judged you solely on that one action, without understanding who you really are. Did that action reflect your whole character? Most likely, it didn’t.

God has given us the ability to discern right from wrong, and He expects us to use that ability wisely. So, yes, continue to judge actions and to seek justice, but avoid judging the individual. Resist the urge to elevate yourself above someone else because of their actions. Remember, just as we’ve received grace, mercy, and compassion from God, you are called to pass these things on to others.

Seek Justice with a Spirit of Reconciliation When we pursue justice, we should aim for restoration, not retribution. Accountability is essential, but in holding others accountable, we must also recognize that a time will come when we will need to be held accountable, and we are going to want understanding and mercy. Ask yourself, “Would I want to be held accountable in this same way I am holding others accountable?”

Our goal is not to tear others down but to guide them toward restoration and healing. When we hold people accountable, it should be done in a way that uplifts, corrects, and encourages growth, just as God does with us.

Let’s remember that God’s ultimate goal with us isn’t just to call out our faults, but to build us up into His likeness. When we approach others with mercy, we are embodying His love in a broken world. When we withhold judgment on the person and focus on guiding them toward what is right, we become instruments of Gods grace.

Point 2: We must be willing to do the hard work of self reflection.

Illustration

Earlier, I asked you to imagine someone cutting you off in traffic. But now, imagine you are the one in a rush. You cut someone off without realizing it. Suddenly, you're in bumper-to-bumper traffic, growing impatient and frustrated. You honk your horn, you fume, thinking, ‘If only these drivers were as skilled as me, I wouldn’t be stuck here.’ But stop and ask yourself: why am I so quick to judge? Am I being proud, impatient, or inconsiderate? Jesus calls us to pause, turn inward, and ask: Do I offer others the same grace I have received?" In verses 3 through 5 Jesus wstarts by asking :

Matthew 7:3–5 NIV

3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Explanation of Text

In these verses Jesus shows how our own sins create ‘blind spots,’ distorting how we see others’ faults. We’re quick to point out the ‘speck’ in someone else’s eye, but ignore the ‘plank’ in our own. To fix this issue Jesus tells us to engage in Self-reflection. Self-reflection is uncomfortable. It is like hearing our voice on a recording. Most of us cringe because it doesn’t sound like we expect. Similarly, when we look inward, we may see things we want to avoid. But ignoring the plank won’t make it go away. Only through honest self-reflection and repentance can we begin to remove it."

Once we deal with our own ‘planks,’ we gain the clarity and humility to help others. We can discern with compassion, not condemnation, because we’ve faced our own failings first.

Question / Objection

Is true self reflection even humanly possible

Answer

Self-reflection is not only possible; it’s essential. Human nature resists deep self-examination because it often brings us face-to-face with uncomfortable truths about ourselves. Self-reflection can be painful, exposing aspects of our character that we might prefer to ignore. But that’s precisely why Jesus calls us to engage in it. When we honestly examine our hearts, it humbles us and makes us more compassionate in how we view others. By confronting the “plank” in our own eye, we learn to extend grace and mercy, rather than harsh judgment, to those around us.

Application

Imagine if every time we were tempted to criticize someone else, we paused and asked ourselves, “What does this reveal about my own heart?” This habit of self-reflection can transform our relationships and our walk with God. When we take responsibility for our own “planks,” we open ourselves to God’s transforming grace and invite Him to help us grow in compassion and humility, So sit back and take some time to honestly self reflect . On those things that are shortcomings ask God to remove them or overcome come them. Notice that I said remove or overcome. The Bible shows us that some things God will not take from us and some things he will give us the strength to live with. Paul asked God to remove a thorn from his flesh , we don't know what this storm was, all we know is the thorn represented some sort of issue that Paul was dealing with . We don't know if it was a health issue, we don't know if it was a mental issue, we do not know what it was, But we do know that Paul felt that this thorn, this issue was affecting his ability to do ministry. God's response to Paul was not to remove the thorn but to tell him that he would give him the strength to live with it. Sometimes, God removes the burden; other times, He strengthens us to bear it. Like Paul and his thorn, God may say, ‘My grace is sufficient for you.

Point 3: Actively seek to do good, and treat people the way that you want to be treated.

Illustration

Let's return to our example of you in the car You cut someone off without realizing it, and now you in bumper-to-bumper traffic, impatient and frustrated, honking your horn, telling people to “come on”Suddenly, you notice the person behind you honking at you, flashing their lights, and gesturing out of frustration. They pull up beside you when traffic opens slightly, still honking and gesturing. You wonder, “Why are they so upset? I can only go as fast as traffic allows.” In that moment, you realize the people in front of you must feel the same way about you that you feel about this upset driver. Why were you frustrated with them? They were just as limited as you were by the situation.The very last verse of our text today is key to the entire sermon:

Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Explanation of Text

As we look at this final line of scripture we're going to break it down into two parts . The meaning of the golden rule . And the deeper meaning of the golden rule. The meaning of the golden rule is playing we Should treat others the way that we want to be treated . Do unto others as you would have them do unto you . The interesting thing about the golden rule is that it is not exclusively found in the bible. It is found in some form or another in several religions, mostly in the negative: “Do not do to others what you would not like them to do to you.”Jesus, flips the rule to a positive form. Some commentators would say that they're not sure if the different phrasing of the golden rule is significant . I submit to you that it is very significant. Jesus purposely phrased things the way that he did . You see the negative phrasing is focusing on not doing something, it is focusing on being passive . Jesus phrasing it is focusing on action, it is telling us to do something. It is telling us to treat people well and with respect.

Jesus’ words, “for this sums up the Law and the Prophets,” reveal the deeper significance of the Golden Rule. Why is this statement so important? Consider another moment from Jesus’ ministry: when the Pharisees challenged Him by asking which commandment was the greatest. We see this exchange in Matthew 22:34-40.

Matthew 22:34–40 NIV

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

So the first and the greatest commandment is to love . The second commandment which is like the first commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself . But look at the very last thing that Jesus says all the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments . So the entire law can be summed up in loving God and loving your neighbor. We covered this last week when we talked about how you can't love God unless you love your neighbor , because you can't love the creator if you don't love his creations . But what does any of that have to do with the golden rule? Look at the last thing that Jesus says about the golden rule “for this sums up the law and the prophets.” So I want you to track with me here all the law and the prophets Hang on the two commandments of loving God and loving your neighbor . And all the law and the prophets are summed up in the golden rule . Therefore the deeper meaning of the golden rule is this, to do unto others as you would have them to do unto you sums up your ability to love God and love your neighbor. So let's show how this works in reverse, When you do unto others as you would have them do unto you, you are showing love for your neighbor . When you show love for your neighbor, you are showing love for God . When you show love for God and your neighbor you are fulfilling the law.

Question / Objection

If you try to do good to everyone, especially when people treat you badly, aren’t you just going to be walked all over? Won’t you end up being a doormat

Answer

When I was younger, I remember hearing people twist the Golden Rule, changing it to say, "Do unto others as they do unto you." The attitude behind this rephrasing was that if someone treats you poorly, you should make sure they feel the consequences. But as Christians, we are not called to be doormats, nor are we called to retaliate when wronged. This is not what Jesus is teaching here.

To ask whether practicing the Golden Rule makes us vulnerable misses the true essence of Jesus' words. The Golden Rule is about how we choose to treat others, regardless of how they treat us. Consider this: How do you respond to the server at a restaurant who makes a mistake with your order? If you’re a boss, supervisor, or business owner, how do you treat your employees when they fall short? When another driver cuts you off on the freeway, do you retaliate with tailgating, blaring your horn, or making rude gestures?

The focus of the Golden Rule is not on how others treat us but on how we choose to treat them. Our response, rooted in kindness and respect, reflects the love of Christ. This radical approach is not about being a passive victim but about choosing to rise above negativity and embodying the grace and love that Jesus exemplifies.

Application

Living the Golden Rule is a Christian responsibility. As God's ambassadors, we are called to represent Him by setting a positive example. Whenever the opportunity arises, let us live out the Golden Rule. If you are in a leadership position, lead with compassion, fairness, and genuine care for those you oversee. Provide constructive feedback, support growth, and create an environment where your team feels valued and respected. Treat your colleagues with encouragement, understanding, and a helping hand, even when they make mistakes. Strive to build a culture of respect, cooperation, and mutual support, rather than one of judgment and rivalry. Extend kindness to service workers—whether waitstaff, cashiers, or customer service representatives—even when service falls short of expectations. A simple act of grace and patience can profoundly impact their day, reflecting the heart of Christ. Within the church community, approach conflicts with humility. Seek to understand differing perspectives and respond with love, even in disagreement. Treat others with grace, listen attentively, and work toward peace and unity. Of course when you're on the road don't be that person that is the horn honker, the tailgater, the light flasher, and most certainly don't be the person who is showing the inappropriate hand gestures.

Conclusion

The Golden Rule reminds us of the importance of self-reflection, before judging others. Living out the Golden Rule transforms our relationships with God and with our community allowing us to reflect the heart of Jesus in our everyday lives. The golden rule calls us to live our faith with integrity, humility, and love For our fellow human beings . We examine ourselves, avoid judgmental attitudes, and is so doing, we can better reflect Christ's love to others. We focused on the call to humble ourselves, And engage in the difficult task of self reflection . By realizing our own faults and shortcomings we are able to extend grace, and compassion instead of condemnation. And we are reminded to actively seek to do good, treating others as we would want to be treated, not in a passive or reluctant way, but actively seeking to treat people well , actively seeking to represent God well.

The Golden Rule is not simply a lofty ideal—it sums up the Law and the Prophets and demonstrates God's love through us. As ambassadors of Christ, we are called to rise above the world’s standard and choose grace over retribution, compassion over apathy, and love over hate.

So, as you go forth from here, I challenge you: Examine your heart and actions, show grace when faced with the shortcomings of others, and actively seek every opportunity to do good. When you encounter moments of tension or difficulty, remember that your response reflects Christ to the world. Choose to treat others as you wish to be treated—By doing so, we become instruments of God’s grace, pointing others to Him.