During a particular challenging school year, harsh words, put-downs, retaliation, and being disrespectful were often heard and observed in my intermediate classroom.
"Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceable with all men." Romans 12:17-18
As Scripture came into my thoughts, I shared this challenge with my wise and Godly mother. She gave me some advice regarding my learning environment. “It’s easy to love the lovable, so let the power of God’s Word create change within your classroom. Even in public school just be creative.”
After some research, I discovered the Golden Rule is a principal emphasized in most cultures. Then various phrases from the global Golden Rule were given as a homework assignment.
"Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12
Collectively as a community, our version of the passage appeared. It was recited daily after the Pledge of Allegiance as a new life-skill in our learning environment. Now, the challenge was putting this new standard into practice! The student’s behavior and actions would be the evidence of being doers of the words.
How do your actions reflect the Golden Rule?
Even though the phrase “Golden Rule” does not appear in the Bible, Jesus taught this command during part of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew. He knew the human heart and its selfishness. Because we are imperfect human beings, we are often selfish, thoughtless, and cruel. But God commands us to behave otherwise. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are to treat others as we wish to be treated. Jesus gave us this standard by which we can gauge and evaluate our actions. He teaches us to rise above our own imperfections and treat other with unselfishness and love.
Do you want to be shown respect? Then respect others.
Do you crave a kind word? Then speak words of kindness to others.
When we observe and practice the Golden Rule, we transform our relationships with others while advancing His kingdom on earth.
Dear Father, thank You for Your words of truth through Matthew 7:12. Open my heart and eyes to practice this important command to treat others as I want to be treated. I desire to obediently share the Golden Rule today and to glorify Your name. Amen