The Sermon on the MountSample

The Golden Rule

Here, Jesus teaches the "positive" version of this rule, which was also found in rabbinic teaching in the "negative" form ("don't do to others what you would not want them to do to you"). Many people claim to have a good relationship with God because they declare that they have never hurt anyone. But they will have to give account to the Lord for the good they have not done to others (James 4:17).

In the parallel passage of Luke 6:27-36, this teaching is explained in greater detail. Acting according to the positive Golden Rule means showing love for others just as we received love from God - not because we deserved it. It is not a case of "one good turn deserves another" – we do not give so that we can later receive, perhaps with interest.

Jesus stated in Matthew 5:17 that He had come to fulfill the law. Here we see that a true understanding of God's Word leads us to act positively towards others, not just avoid what is not good (Luke 10:36,37). We need to behave this way towards everyone, not just the categories we consider worthy of our assistance.

In the previous verse, we read that God gives good things: those who continually receive from God always have something to give to others (2 Corinthians 9:8). We should not jealously hoard the Lord's blessings for ourselves. He will not let us lack anything when we use His gifts to help others, just as we wish to be helped when we are in need.

The apostle Paul gives us advice in this regard: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."(Galatians 6:10 NIV).

• Are you content with just not stepping on other people's toes, or are you willing, with God's help, to actively do good to others?