The (best) rule.

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

(Matthew 7:12)

It's called "The Golden Rule." (And no, it's not the pithy bumper sticker which reads: "He who has the gold, makes the rules!"). Everyone knows it. "Do unto others as you'd want them to do to you." Almost every religion has some kind of version of this. Heck, even Thumper in Bambi had his mom's version: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

I always knew that this was in the Bible. But when I read it today, I also discovered something I hadn't remembered. Immediately following that powerful statement, Jesus adds this: "...for this is the law and the prophets." Meaning, this isn't just a good saying. This sums up EVERYTHING that the Old Testament stands for. All of the other laws... and all of the sayings of the prophets can be boiled down to the golden rule. Wow.

I think that, in general, people are wired this way. To treat others well and expect the best in them. I really do. But somewhere along the way we grew cynical & defensive. We've all been hurt by people who haven't rates us well. But that doesn't mean we have to stay hurt, cynical & defensive.

How would my day change if I tried to live out this golden rule 24/7? (I know for sure my driving experiences would change! lol) In my conversations & expectations... with my relationships... by the way I spoke about politics... there could be so much improvement!

"Lord, I believe... help my unbelief."