Mt 7:6, 12-14
The Golden Rule: For Matthew, the law and the prophets are summed up in what has come to be known as the “Golden Rule”: “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you” (v 12). To reduce the entirety of the law and the prophets to this one proverb is quite a feat, until one recalls Matthew’s basic theme of righteousness.
Righteousness consists of correct behavior, doing the will of God because it is the right way to act and it is the way that God wants a person to act. If we are righteous, then we will first of all reflect upon what we would like others to do for us. Armed with this knowledge, we will then treat others accordingly.
The Golden Rule: For Matthew, the law and the prophets are summed up in what has come to be known as the “Golden Rule”: “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you” (v 12). To reduce the entirety of the law and the prophets to this one proverb is quite a feat, until one recalls Matthew’s basic theme of righteousness.
Righteousness consists of correct behavior, doing the will of God because it is the right way to act and it is the way that God wants a person to act. If we are righteous, then we will first of all reflect upon what we would like others to do for us. Armed with this knowledge, we will then treat others accordingly.
Yet, there is still another dimension to the Golden Rule. If a righteous person considers the other person first, by treating the other as he or she would like to be treated, that individual may spark in the other a desire to become righteous too.
Matthew compares righteousness to material things which are considered to be of great value, like a precious pearl. He says that it is the narrow gate that leads to life. Those who are not righteous are “dogs” and “swine”; they have no difficulty entering through the wide gate that leads to destruction, whereas those who do the will of God (are righteous) pass easily through the narrow gate and find themselves on the path that leads to life.