Kings rule in their kingdoms by certain laws. In God’s kingdom, the summary of these laws are encapsulated in one rule: Matthew 7:12 KJV
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets”. It is called the Golden rule. Which stipulates that you do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
God is love and He requires all the citizens of his kingdom to live by the rule of love. Can you imagine how difficult it would have been if the lord has asked us to learn of all his precepts by heart? But He didn’t ask for that. Then you would want to appreciate His great wisdom in the simplicity of this rule and the ease with which everyone can learn it by heart as a single law. In his great love and understanding, he makes it easier for us to remember and obey it, especially when it is engraved in our hearts by His spirit.
Now, to live by this rule is to be unselfish in your consideration of others- to put yourself in the position of others when you are about to act or react; to be careful to encourage others and not destroy them; to always put the best construction on other’s behaviour until you are clear on all the surroundings circumstances; to mind your utterances so that you do not crush the feelings of anyone concerned; to patiently bear with others’ weaknesses and shortcomings; and to learn to forgive those who wronged you. Simply put, let your attitude to people and issues be as you would want others do unto you.
Moreover, the rule is for one and all who have gained entry into the kingdom of God through the only way of repentance and faith in Christ’s atoning blood. None who has partaken of God’s amazing grace is exempted from this rule, for it is the greatest of all virtues. The love of God is the first greatest commandment. But love of our neighbour is the means by which we demonstrate it. Since we cannot see God directly, He allows us to catch sight of Him through our neighbour. Thus, we cannot claim to love God without loving our neighbour ” If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” (1 John 4:20).
Sometimes we presume that the demonstration of the gifts for eloquence in preaching, eminence in exploits and excellence in outreaches outweighs the rule of love. But we err if we so think. God does not reckon with anything that contradicts His nature. Whatever we do outside the motive of love is not only worthless but demeaning. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing”.
However, to do unto others as you would want them do unto you does not come automatically. You must work at it. It is an act of will. It will take a deliberate surrender of your will to God to mould it and make it accustomed to showing Christ-like love in every situation, even to the most unloving and undeserving. Charles Spurgeon said – “Any man who is selfish is an unsaved man, for the chief point salvation is to save from ourselves. As long as you live simply with your own ribs, you live in a dungeon.”
Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile. No act of kindness ,no matter how small, is ever wasted.
Shalom!
Wunmi Oyesanya
info@mzjewel.com
