Is Matthew 7:12 the golden rule? How to obey it (Part 1).
For much time I looked on this verse as a golden rule. Nevertheless, pay attention carefully to the expression: “this is the Law and the Prophets”. It’s good to recall that we are under the Grace.
Furthermore, let’s suppose that our neighbor asks to us something bad (of course, in his mind, this is something good for him and for people around him). Considering that, when we yearn for something, we wish that people around us help us (nobody likes a “not” as answer), in obedience to the previous commandment, we will give to him what he asked. Besides, as we want to ingratiate on him, we will try not to contradict him.
As consequence, we have Galatians 6:7:
If we sow something bad, we will reap something bad too.
Perhaps you will say: “but my intention was good”. What matter is the seed, and not our “good” intention. Think:
it’s no use a doctor having good intentions and giving us the wrong diagnose: he can kill us;
if we sow a seed of scarlet eggplant, it’s impossible we reap mango, even if you sowed thinking that it was a mango’s seed.
So, if your neighbor asked you “stone”, “snake” or “scorpion” (see Luke 11:12), don’t impart it to him, even if he gets angry at you.
Perhaps you will argue: “but he never will ask it!”. He will and tomorrow you will see why. For the time being, have a nice day in Christ Jesus.
- “Therefore all things, whatever you desire that men should do to you, do even so to them; for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Mat 7:12).
For much time I looked on this verse as a golden rule. Nevertheless, pay attention carefully to the expression: “this is the Law and the Prophets”. It’s good to recall that we are under the Grace.
Furthermore, let’s suppose that our neighbor asks to us something bad (of course, in his mind, this is something good for him and for people around him). Considering that, when we yearn for something, we wish that people around us help us (nobody likes a “not” as answer), in obedience to the previous commandment, we will give to him what he asked. Besides, as we want to ingratiate on him, we will try not to contradict him.
As consequence, we have Galatians 6:7:
- “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he also will reap.” (Gal 6:7).
If we sow something bad, we will reap something bad too.
Perhaps you will say: “but my intention was good”. What matter is the seed, and not our “good” intention. Think:
it’s no use a doctor having good intentions and giving us the wrong diagnose: he can kill us;
if we sow a seed of scarlet eggplant, it’s impossible we reap mango, even if you sowed thinking that it was a mango’s seed.
So, if your neighbor asked you “stone”, “snake” or “scorpion” (see Luke 11:12), don’t impart it to him, even if he gets angry at you.
Perhaps you will argue: “but he never will ask it!”. He will and tomorrow you will see why. For the time being, have a nice day in Christ Jesus.
