Matthew 7:12 - Living the Golden Rule

Matthew 7:12

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Good things really do come in small packages, and Matthew 7:12 is a prime example. It’s short, simple, and something most of us learned in childhood: treat others the way you want to be treated. But while it may be easy to understand, living out the Golden Rule daily is a lot harder than it seems. There’s a reason Jesus said this principle sums up the Law and the Prophets — it’s powerful enough to change lives.

At its core, the Golden Rule is a call to empathy. Jesus asks us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and respond with the kindness we would want to receive. That’s easy enough when people are polite and considerate. But what about when they’re rude or downright frustrating? That’s when this rule becomes a challenge. Picture that moment you were cut off in traffic or “thrown under the bus” at work. How do we “do to others” in those situations? Jesus isn’t asking for the bare minimum — He’s asking us to reflect the grace and kindness we would hope to receive, even when it’s undeserved.

In fact, this idea echoes Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” We’re not just called to be nice when it’s easy, but to love others when it’s hard. That’s the true heart of the Golden Rule.

And before we protest and say, “I can’t love everyone like that!” consider this:  God does. 

The Golden Rule is rooted in God’s character. Even at our worst, He treats us with grace — not based on what we deserve —  but out of His love. We’re called to show that same mercy to others.

Romans 5:8:  “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

This isn’t just a command to be morally good; it’s about transforming relationships. When we treat others with kindness, even when it’s hard, it can defuse tension, build unexpected connections, and open doors to share our faith. But don’t be fooled — Jesus didn’t promise that living this way would be easy or instantly rewarding. Sometimes, we’re the only ones acting with kindness in a world full of hostility. But the point isn’t about getting something in return —it’s about reflecting who God is — loving others because He loved us first.

The next time you feel the urge to retaliate or turn a blind eye, remember Matthew 7:12. Treat others the way you want to be treated, not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard. You might not change the world overnight, but you’ll be reflecting the One who can.

If we all lived out the Golden Rule, imagine the impact on our families, communities, and the world. It’s not just for playgrounds — it’s a radical call for every believer to live out God’s love in real, everyday ways.

Matthew 6:25-27 - Trusting God

Matthew 6:25

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”

Jesus addresses one of our most common struggles: worry. His words remind us that God, the Creator of the universe, is also the sustainer of our lives. But — it is more than just a command to stop worrying — it is an invitation to trust. Worrying is not only unproductive, it is also unnecessary, and yet, how often do we let it rob us of our joy and peace?

Jesus addresses our daily concerns — what we will eat, drink, or wear. These are things we think about regularly. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressures of everyday life, but Jesus calls us to lift our eyes above these concerns and trust that God is in control of it all. We are not meant to figure everything out on our own or to spend our days in worry. We are called to trust.

Proverbs 3:5-6:  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Birds don’t plant crops, harvest fields, or store food in barns, yet they are fed. This isn’t to say that birds don’t work — they search for food and build nests — but they do so without anxiety because God provides for them. Jesus uses this simple example to show that if God takes care of the birds, how much more will He care for us, His children?

Jesus asks us a simple rhetorical question: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” His point is clear: worrying doesn’t solve problems, extend life, or bring any real benefit. In fact, it does the opposite — it drains our energy, clouds our judgment, and diminishes our faith.

When we replace worry with prayer, God promises us His peace — a peace that may not always make sense in human terms, but is deeply felt by those who trust in Him.

Philippians 4:6-7:  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Jesus’ teaching doesn’t end with the command to stop worrying. He invites us to shift our focus. When we prioritize God’s kingdom and trust Him with our lives, He promises to take care of our needs. This doesn’t mean life will always be easy, or that we won’t face difficulties. But it does mean we can face those challenges with the confidence that God is with us, providing for us along the way.

Matthew 6:33:  "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

It’s easy to worry, thinking that our anxiety will somehow change the outcome of our circumstances. But Jesus invites us to lay down that burden and trust in His love and care. The next time worry begins to creep in, take a moment to look at the birds around you. Let them remind you of God’s faithfulness. If He cares for them, how much more does He care for you?

God knows our needs, so instead of trying to control the things we cannot, let’s rest in the truth that God — who is both our Creator and our Father — is more than able to take care of us. He asks us to trust Him, and when we do, we experience a peace and security that worry can never offer.

Psalm 55:22:  "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

John 15:15 - Acquaintance or Friend?

John 15:15

"No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."

If you’ve spent any time around Christians, you’ve probably heard them talk about their relationship with Jesus. It got me thinking: What’s the difference between just knowing about Him and really being close friends with Him?

I meet a lot of people, and it’s rare that a week goes by without running into someone I know just enough to exchange a quick hello with. We might chat a bit, but there’s no real connection. That’s what it’s like to be an acquaintance.

Now, imagine a real friend—the one you can call at 2 a.m. or share your deepest thoughts with. That’s the kind of relationship Jesus wants with us. In John 15:15, Jesus is inviting us into a deeper relationship—not just knowing about Him, but understanding His heart and sharing in His mission.

Being close to Jesus means you get His guidance more clearly. It’s like having a trusted mentor who helps you see the way forward. 

Proverbs 3:5-6:  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Friends are there for us, especially when life gets tough. Jesus offers His peace in troubled times. When you’re really close to Him, His peace becomes a comforting presence that helps you through life’s storms. Philippians 4:6-7 talks about bringing our worries to God and receiving His peace, deepening our relationship and helping us grow spiritually.

True friendship with Jesus changes us. As we grow closer, we start to reflect His love and character more. We will want to be more and more like Him . (We all tend to start looking more and more like our friends the more we are around them.)

2 Corinthians 3:18:  "We are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another."

So, how do you deepen your friendship with Jesus? Here are a few tips:

First, spend time in prayer and reading Scripture. It’s about keeping that communication open. 

James 4:8:  "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."

Next, follow His commands and trust Him. 

John 15:14:  "You are my friends if you do what I command you."

Finally, get involved in serving others and living out His values. Serving others is like serving Jesus Himself. 

Matthew 25:40b:  "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

So, moving from just knowing about Jesus to being His friend is a game-changer. It means more guidance, comfort, growth, and transformation. Embracing Jesus as a true friend allows you to experience His presence and promises in a way that being a casual acquaintance just can’t offer. It’s about deepening that connection and letting it shape your life in beautiful, meaningful ways.