Thinking Golden Rule Thoughts

Want to have better relationships?  Think Golden Rule thoughts.
 
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets”(Matt 7:12).
 
What if the roles were reversed?  Most of our relationships are tarnished by selfishness.  We are happy to think about “whatever you wish that others would do to you.”  That’s easy!  But Jesus teaches us to take what we want others to do us and “do also to them.”  What would I want to happen if they were angry with me?  If I were my wife, would I like being talked to this way?  If others were gossiping about me, would I want my friend to join in? 
 
What is fair and appropriate?  Often we use others.  They are just there for us to have an object for self-expression or to gain some benefit.  Golden Rule thoughts force us to think about “whatever you wish that others would do to you,” considering our sense of what is fair and applying it to our own behavior.  Is my treatment of others really warranted by the situation?  Am I allowing my frustration, bitterness, jealousy, or insecurity to influence my behavior?  Am I doing the right thing by them?
 
Am I treating others well?  The beauty of the Golden Rule is that we instantly know whether we have violated it.  “Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.”  Would I complain about this treatment if it was directed at me?  Am I considering the impact of my behavior?  Am I attempting to do good?  This question—“Am I treating others well?”—is the heart of God’s revelation ("the Law and the Prophets").
 
Want to have better relationships?  Think Golden Rule thoughts.