The Golden Rule

Date: 15 March 2026

Place: Trinity Baptist Church, Charlesworth, near Glossop

Preacher: Benedict Allmand-Smith

Passage: Matthew 7:12

Listen Below:

The Golden Rule

43:16

The Golden Rule: Do Unto Others

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

This verse, often called the Golden Rule, captures a principle at the heart of God’s law. In this reflection, we consider it in three sections – its interpretation, how Jesus exemplifies it, and practical applications.

Interpretation

At first glance, this rule might seem simple: do to others exactly what you would want done to you. A shy, reserved teacher, for example, might never call out her students. While not wrong, this is incomplete. The Bible calls us to empathy – to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). True understanding involves more than mirroring our own preferences.

A second interpretation commonly given is that one should enter into the other persons mind and personality, and then do what they would want you to do. This is closer but still incomplete. Under this interpretation, you would end up giving an alcoholic drink because that is what they want, but this is obviously not loving. Jesus summarises how we are to relate to other people: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Doing unto others must not just reflect their personal desire but aim at real love and benefit, both now and eternally.

The Golden Rule appears near the end of the Sermon on the Mount, in the context of strict interpretations of God’s law. Jesus presents it as the spirit behind the commands. The laws of God (e.g. do not steal, murder or commit adultery) are not merely boxes to tick. Rather, righteousness is found in living in the spirit of these laws. Jesus gives this Golden Rule to his church. His church is full of people who know the law of God. Do unto others is the positive principle of the negative commands.

Take the command, ‘Do not murder’. Following this rule means more than, simply, not murdering. It is, as Jesus explains earlier in his sermon, to not be angry with anyone without a just cause. The Golden Rule takes this command even further: Christians are called to seek to show the opposite of unjust anger to others, that is to show them kindness and care, even when they do not deserve it; because that is what they would want done to them. The Golden Rule must be taken in the context of God’s law: it is a principle by which Christians are to enact that law.

Jesus’ Example

Jesus perfectly embodied this principle. He understood both the letter and the spirit of God’s law. In Matthew 12:9–14, the Pharisees sought to trap him over Sabbath rules, yet he healed the man, showing mercy without violating God’s law. On the cross, as recorded in Luke 23:26–34, he thought of others even in his abject suffering: he called out about those who crucified him, “Father, forgive them”.

Jesus’ life shows that following the Golden Rule is central to righteousness. Every act, big or small, reflected his concern for others, rooted in love and obedience to God.

Application

This principle cannot be exhaustively listed – it must be etched into our hearts, guiding our thoughts and actions in every interaction with others, like a lamp to our feet. When deciding how to act, we ask: how would I wish to be treated? Scripture informs the details, but this rule guides us where explicit commands are absent. It is challenging, as Jesus reminds in Matthew 7:13–14: the narrow way requires effort, unlike the broad, easy path.

Within the Church

We seek to treat fellow believers in ways that promote growth, joy, and spiritual fruitfulness: helping one another practically, forgiving, rebuking when necessary, encouraging, praying for each other, and offering comfort in sorrow. This reflects the example of our Saviour, who never withheld mercy or love, even under trial.

In the World

The Golden Rule also applies to everyday relationships: employees and employers, children and parents, siblings, spouses, friends, and citizens. Respect, fairness, honesty, and kindness all flow from treating others as we would want to be treated.

Evangelism and Missions

Christians are called to share the gospel as an act of love. Imagine being in a place where the gospel is unknown – would we want missionaries to come, even at personal risk? Do unto others, especially in missions and evangelism, means bringing the hope of Christ. It must be done, even if the cost is great (Matthew 7:6, John 3:16, Numbers 21:8–9). Christian churches must be churches that desire to send missionaries to preach the gospel to nations and peoples that live in the darkness of not knowing the truth of the Bible.

Conclusion

The Golden Rule is the law and the prophets in summary. It requires empathy, wisdom, and action guided by the Spirit. It is a call to mirror Christ’s love, thinking of others above ourselves, seeking their good, and living out God’s commandments with heart and mind united.

As a church and as individuals, let us follow Christ on the narrow way: do unto others as we would have them do unto us. In thought, word, and deed, may our lives reflect his mercy, love, and righteousness.

We gather each Sunday in Charlesworth, near Glossop. If you would like to visit our Sunday worship services, or midweek Bible study, you would be more than welcome. Please see our Events Page.