The Golden Rule and the Law

Everyone knows the “Golden Rule” — or do they? Jesus states in Matthew 7:12, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” The “rule” is often stated as, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” There are two important issues. First, the order of behavior – how we want others to act towards us and then how we act in order to achieve that goal. Second the absence of reference to the “Law and the Prophets.” Both of these are important to unlocking what Jesus is truly saying. Let us start with the importance of the Law.

Christians believe they are not “under the law.” They are correct. But, what does it mean not to be “under the law?” It means we do not earn our salvation by keeping the law. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” That is good news since “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Not to be under the law does not mean we are free to steal, bear false witness, or commit adultery. God still defines proper conduct for His people.

Next, scripture warn us not to “follow after your own heart and your own eyes” (Numbers 15:39). Lawless people are described as doing what is right in their own eyes (Judges 17:6; 21:5). Why? Because “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) We see the fulfillment of this in Proverbs 21:2, “Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But Yehovah weighs the hearts.”

How do we want others to treat us and how should we act towards others? Jesus answer is, according to the Law and the Prophets. Can you think of a better set of standards for human interactions then those that God defines? I cannot. The Bible gives very comprehensive instructions on how we should treat each other. About 40% of the law concerns human interactions.

The prophets were sent to correct the people for violating God’s laws and to help improve their understanding of God’s laws. Jesus also did this in His ministry. In the Sermon on the Mount He further explains proper fasting, giving and prayer as well as expanding our understanding of murder, adultery, vows and loving our enemies.

I like to paraphrase the Golden Rule as, “If you want others to treat you in accordance with the Laws and the Prophets, then treat them in accordance with the Law and the Prophets.” The order is important; it is the principle of reaping what we sow. If we want others to be obedient to God’s law and act as it commends, then we must model that obedience. This is how we honor Yehovah, our God.