So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12
Of course, if we don't know that this passage is from Matthew, we know it as The Golden Rule. This passage sounds fair and not too onerous (unlike some of the other suggestions in the Bible). The Golden Rule, often called the "ethic of reciprocity" is found in something like 23 world religions. Why is this ideal of treating each other equally so important that it resonates in almost every philosophical system, not just Christianity? And with its far reach, how come we don't exactly always abide by this ethic of reciprocity?
This tiny passage concludes the Sermon on the Mount wherein Jesus recites the 8 Beatitudes. We're pretty familiar with them, too—blessed are the poor, blessed are those who mourn, blessed are the meek, blessed are those who hunger for righteousness, blessed are the merciful, blessed are the pure of heart, blessed are the peacemakers, and blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. St. Augustine called the Beatitudes the ideal for every Christian life! The Beatitudes, unlike the 10 Commandments, are very positive and encouraging. They are not trip stones, waiting for us to mess up. They are gentle reminders that the Kingdom of God is within our reach, if only...
It's the "if only" part that gives us trouble, maybe particularly as Americans who pretty much try to run from poverty, grief, meekness, hunger, etc. You get my point. Our secular socialization runs pretty much against the Beatitudes, and the Golden Rule. It's really hard, at least it is for me, to embrace ideals I have been consciously and subconsciously acculturated against.
But, the Golden Rule and the Beatitudes are good reminders why we are Christians and why we make conscious decisions to go against the grain every now and then to do what's right.
JoEllen Kelly (2009)
