In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12
In the Windrixville Church scene in the story “The Outsiders”… Johnny references Robert Frost’s poem and says “Stay gold Ponyboy, stay gold”. Its a compliment when someone sees the gold in you. What do they see? The ability to love others and treat them in the way we ourselves would want to be treated.
Jesus gave us what we now call “the golden rule”. The rule even greater significance when we consider its meaning in light of his message that preceded it, wherein Jesus clarifies the intent of the law. Remember, he amplified the intent by saying, ‘you’ve heard it said’… ‘but, I say to you’. (You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28) Of course, the capstone of all of this is love. We are to love our neighbor as ourself, which is the second great commandment.
How about me? How am I applying this standard to those in my circle of influence? Am I sensitive enough to see what people are really going through?
God, help me today to be aware of those around me. Place pictures in my mind of those who are hurting that I might reach out and love them in Your name. May I live by the golden rule.
