Luke 6:31

Luke 6:31

“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”

This chapter hits hard. There are so many things that stand out.

“Do unto others as you would have them do to you” is often called the Golden Rule. This rule is fairly easy to understand. However, it is often illustrated in reverse. For example, “Don’t lie, steal, or cheat because you don’t want people to do those things to you.” This formulation, which I have used with kids, is more akin to the Jewish sage Hillel, who said, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow.” (Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 31a) Notice that the focus is on not doing what you don’t like. One could fulfill Hillel’s formulation by doing nothing.

Jesus requires his disciples to actually do something. Figure out how you want to be treated, then go and do that to others. However, before we smile and say, “I like Joe, so I will always be nice or honest or forgiving toward him,” we must recognize that the context of Jesus’ command is dealing with our enemies.

The verses leading to the Golden Rule list all the people we would desire to avoid:

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.” (Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭27‬-‭30‬)

Jesus commands action from us, not passivity or avoidance. That hits hard.

Father, help me to love those whom I perceive as enemies and wrongdoers. Please help me do the hard things for your glory. Amen.