The Golden Rule
There’s gold in them there rules
===
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
Luke 6:31 (ESV)
===
A classic verse.
So much so, it’s become a cliché even in non-Christian circles.
Simple to understand … but … difficult to live out.
“It’s not about you.”
Going off of memory, that’s one of the opening lines to the classic book The Purpose Driven Life. It was always strange to me that this was such a profound statement to so many people. I mean, because of the nature of the Golden Rule verse here, I would have thought more people would have innately understood that it’s not all about them.
I guess I’m an optimist on humanity.
Anyway, that phrase did lead to a mini-revolution for a lot of people. And I’m glad it did.
The world is better off when the more of the Church is sharing the radical love of Christ.
Christ’s love is unselfish.
That’s why we categorize it as agape (unconditional) love.
I’ve read through the book of Philippians a lot, and I’m always stunned by the display of unselfish love that Paul highlights in chapter 2. That Christ would give up His seat in the heavenly realm, take on the form of flesh, and give up His life — brutally — so that the world might be saved.
Amazing love, how can it be?
(yes, I’m now singing that song in my head).
Anyway, how do I go about sharing this radical love with the world?
The Golden Rule is the instruction manual.
Simple to understand … but … difficult to live out.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2025 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.