Matthew 7:12 

12 “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.

Matthew 7:12

12 This is what our Scriptures come to teach: in everything, in every circumstance, do to others as you would have them do to you.

Devotional Content

There is just a single verse of Scripture for us today.  We are about to take the final steps as we draw close to the Christ Child.  In doing so, the Sermon on the Mount from the heart of Jesus himself stands beside us today as a marker that points the way to the peace and hope of the Lord.

This is what our Scriptures come to teach: in everything, in every circumstance, do to others as you would have them do to you.

It is the reflective nature of the Word.  As you look into the mirror and learn more about mercy, compassion, justice, and love…you will begin to see far beyond your own image in the mirror.  In fact, you will begin to see the needs of the world through your own life of faith.  In some mysterious way, God is using each person to link to other people.  It is a part of God’s plan for justice to roll, mercy to explode, and compassion to be spread throughout the land.

So the Golden Rule is really not about how we want to be treated.  It is really about the call of God on our lives to make everything within our reflection an image of the Lord.  Isaiah says, ‘For unto us a child is born, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace.  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.’

Tat is the reflection of hope that was provided to the ancient Jewish people.  The reflection was made complete through a child in a Bethlehem manger.  And now, the reflection is shared with each one of us as we are invited ‘in everything, in every circumstance, do to others as you would have them do to you.’

That process brings the people of God into direct connection with the Prince of Peace.  May the peace of Christ be yours today!  Amen