The “Golden Rule” says, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12). Commonly referred to as the “Golden Rule” is a Biblical principle and part of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount.” It should be noted that the words Golden Rule are not in the Bible. It is believed that many people live by this principle with a moral obligation and duty to do so. The Christian’s endeavor must always be to do good to others and for others.
The apostle Paul stated in his letter to the Galatian Church, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal 6:9,10). Let us heed this exhortation and put it in practice. Not only we are to do good to everyone, generally, but the last clause states “especially to those who are of the household of faith.” “The household of faith includes all who are saved, without regard to denominations or divisions. Our kindness is not to be limited to believers, but is to be shown to them in a special way. It is not negative—how little harm, but positive-how much good we can do that is to be our objectives” (William Macdonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary p. 1896).
In his sermon in the house of Cornelius, the apostle Peter said: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). The Lord Jesus Christ is by far our best example in living an obedient godly life. There must always be that ongoing desire to ‘walk in the steps of our Lord and Master.’
A major component of the Christian life and service to God is to do good to others in the world and especially to those of God’s family—born-believers. Jesus Christ Himself “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38. Jesus is the perfect example of one who did so much good during His thirty-three-and-a-half years of earthly ministry. He fed the hungry, embraced the outcasts, had compassion on the crowds that followed Him around, heal the sick, and numerous other good deeds. God will present opportunities for us to do good things, which will bring honor and glory to Him and blessings to others. “Let us not become weary in well doing” (Gal. 6:9).
In Luke 10:33 we have the account of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho who became the victim of thieves that left him half-dead. As the helpless man lay there, both a priest and a Levite passed by him without offering to help. Then a Samaritan came upon the scene, and having compassion rendered aid to the man. The lesson here for us is that both the priest and the Levite missed a wonderful opportunity to help the desperate victim. But thank God for the Samaritan who did a good deed by rendering the vital help. There will always be a time for us to do some good in some way or the other. “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can. (Theologian John Wesley, 1703-1791). This is so applicable to all of us, but especially to those who are of the household of God.
Doing good also places certain demands on us, such as our time, our energy, and even some of our personal resources. Lending a “helping hand” to others who need it is a good thing and should be continued. However, sharing with others some of what we have is a major aspect of doing good. The writer to the Hebrews points out “Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Hebrews 13:16). This means we are to show liberality to those in need as this is our God-given Christian duty. Note this type of giving is a “sacrifice” as mentioned in the verse, “such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” We can’t be always thinking of our own interests. Any truly born-again believer will always want to please God in whatever way he or she can. Thus, this is yet another way to please God. And God will indeed bless and award those who share what they have with others in need. The fact is it is more blessed to give than to receive.
In his farewell address to the Elders at the Ephesian Church, the apostle Paul told them, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Let us do likewise. Giving is an act of obedience to God.