Topical Bible: Christian Conduct: Doing As we Would be Done By

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The principle of "doing as we would be done by," often referred to as the Golden Rule, is a foundational tenet of Christian ethics and conduct. This principle is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and is a guiding standard for interpersonal relationships among believers and with the broader world.

Biblical Foundation

The Golden Rule is explicitly stated in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus instructs His followers: "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12). This directive encapsulates the moral and ethical teachings of the Old Testament, summarizing the intent of the Law and the Prophets in a single, actionable command.

Old Testament Parallels

While the explicit phrasing of the Golden Rule is found in the New Testament, its essence is present throughout the Old Testament. Leviticus 19:18 commands, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." This commandment underscores the importance of love and empathy in human relationships, principles that are echoed in the teachings of Jesus.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further elaborates on this principle through various teachings and parables of Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes the importance of love and mercy, urging His followers to exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees by embodying the spirit of the Law rather than merely adhering to its letter (Matthew 5:20).

The Apostle Paul reiterates this principle in his epistles, encouraging believers to live in harmony and humility. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This teaching aligns with the Golden Rule by promoting selflessness and consideration for others.

Practical Application

The application of the Golden Rule in daily life involves a conscious effort to treat others with the same respect, kindness, and fairness that one desires. This principle challenges believers to transcend cultural, social, and personal biases, fostering a community characterized by love and mutual respect.

In the context of the church, this conduct is vital for maintaining unity and peace among believers. Ephesians 4:2-3 exhorts Christians to "be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Challenges and Considerations

While the Golden Rule is a straightforward principle, its implementation can be challenging due to human nature and societal influences. Believers are called to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength in embodying this principle, recognizing that true Christian conduct is a reflection of Christ's love and sacrifice.

In summary, "doing as we would be done by" is a central aspect of Christian conduct, deeply rooted in biblical teachings and exemplified by Jesus Christ. It serves as a timeless guide for ethical behavior, urging believers to act with love, empathy, and integrity in all their interactions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 7:12
Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 6:31
And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ Our Lesson and Our Teacher
... Christian men and women ... He was taken up, after His Ascension He continues both the
doing and the ... we bring all our actions to Him, and measure our conduct by His ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/christ our lesson and our.htm

A Tribute from Enemies
... It is by our common conduct that they judge us ... And the 'Christian Endeavourer' needs
to remember, whether he or ... reality of the endeavour is the doing of common ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a tribute from enemies.htm

The Christian Orator is Constantly Dealing with Great Matters.
... Chapter 18."The Christian Orator is Constantly Dealing with Great ... we would rightly
advise them to conduct them quietly ... of men with a zeal for doing works of ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 18 the christian orator is.htm

Christian Stewardship.
... Let us, then, look at their conduct and learn a ... have shown what we are capable of
doing, by our ... Shall, then, Christian enterprise be dull and sluggish, deal in ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter ii christian stewardship.htm

Buying the Truth
... There must be strivings within, or we may well ... there is a false method of doing the
very ... transparency of your moral character and of your Christian conduct. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/buying the truth.htm

Buying the Truth
... There must be strivings within or we may well ... and there is a false method of doing
the very ... transparency of your moral character and of your Christian conduct. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/buying the truth.htm

Self-Made Barriers
... See what his lord said to him, and note the result of his conduct. Are you doing
the same thing ... We ought not to decide hastily or rashly, but we ought to decide ...
/.../naylor/heart talks/talk forty-four self-made barriers.htm

'Thy Will be Done'
... Character and conduct are all important ... is a lesson for all social reformers and
for Christian men to ... should be lowered to the level of the stars, doing a will ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/thy will be done.htm

On the Difficulties and Duties of the Christian Life.
... But now I must add, that Christian prudence will teach ... they reflect only upon his
prudence and conduct, and not ... useless; it is always good to be doing what we ...
/.../scougal/the life of god in the soul of man/part iii on the difficulties.htm

The Charge to the Soldier of the Lord
... of a large number of the miseries of Christian men. ... of uncertainty, either in opinion
or in conduct; but if ... that know nothing about what we are doing may call ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the charge to the soldier.htm