Published by Love does no harm to its neighbor
–Romans 13:10
Somebody recently said to me, “I don’t usually like to do business this way, but…” In response to his statement, I thought to myself, if this is how you do business today, then this is how you do business. There’s no getting around that. This is an example of your character. One can say, “I really don’t want to rob you today, lady.” Then, they proceed to rob you. So, they are a robber; it is as simple as that. You are what you do.
This incident made me take a good look at the “Golden Rule” because the person who conducted “business” in a way he wished he hadn’t, used something he thought I did wrong previously as an excuse for his behavior. At first, I thought, this sounds like my children bickering, “I’m not going to share my gum with you because last week you ate all of the Twix.” The problem is we are adults and hopefully should have learned to treat people as you would like to be treated, regardless of how the other person may have behaved. Dignity and character do matter and everyone’s is defined by their behavior.
Although this message is written time and again in the Bible, this moral teaching can be found in almost every faith. A Parliament of World’s Religions was held in 1993 which proclaimed the Golden Rule, also known as the ethic of reciprocity, as the common principle for many religions. This declaration was signed by over 200 religious leaders from more than 40 faiths around the world. The wording may change but the meaning is similar: to have a mutual respect for one’s neighbor.
Words written from a Hindu text state, “let no man do to another that which would be repugnant to himself,” and “the one I love who is incapable of ill will and returns love for hatred,” as well as, “do good and forget, don’t expect any reward.” The Islamic faith states, “none of you believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” Confucianism claims, “Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself.” In the Bible there are too many references to repeat here. But, here are a few: “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.” Leviticus 19:18 (this one applies to Judaism as well as Christianity). “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…” Matthew 7:12. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28. This one is my favorite because it is so clear in its meaning. I mean, “Do good to those who hate you?” Are you kidding me?
No, this is what we are supposed to strive to achieve. It’s a hard pill to swallow; but, I have found that it actually does make me feel better to pray for those who have mistreated me. I also pray that others will do the same for me because I am not claiming to be a saint here.
This rule seems to be a universal truth and something that must be learned and understood by mankind. Why else would it be repeatedly written and spoken? Even mothers are constantly saying, “Would you like it if your sister (or brother) did that to you?” John F. Kennedy asked the American people if they would like to be denied access and rights that were kept from the African Americans. I guess it needs to be constantly rammed down our throats because it is a hard lesson to implement and probably impossible to master.
I see it as a consistency principle or a guide to continuously follow. It is used as a measurement for your behavior and it is good to keep referring back to it whenever you doubt what you are doing. If you have to say to someone, “I don’t usually like to behave this way,” in an effort to justify your actions, then, do not do it. Behave in the manner in which you would be proud, you would be respected, you would be the better person. Isn’t that the true judge of a person’s character? Anyone can be nice to the people who are always nice and loving to them. The true test is how one behaves toward people he or she believes did them an injustice.
We should all lead and teach by example and behave with dignity no matter what others say or do. I know, sometimes it’s a fine line between being a wimp and doing what is right. Sometimes I have such an urge to stick up for myself. But, in the end, it never helps and it never changes anyone. It’s a waste of time. I think the Golden Rule is not something anyone can practice until perfection. There is no such thing. I by no means am claiming to be even anywhere near good at it. I am just trying to use it as a guide.
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