Luke 6:31
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke 6:31
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse isn't just about wishing well for others; it's a sharp reminder that our own desires for how we should be treated are the blueprint for how we're called to act. Jesus is showing us that justice and kindness aren't abstract ideals, but practical actions rooted in our own needs and expectations.
Following His all-night prayer, Jesus chooses His twelve apostles and then descends to a mountainside to teach the crowds who have gathered. He lays out radical teachings about the Kingdom of God, calling His followers to love their enemies, give generously, and forgive others. This verse acts as a concise summary, the "Golden Rule," encapsulating the ethical heart of the radical love and compassion He's just been describing.
Ever notice how we're experts at knowing how others should treat us, but not always as skilled when it comes to treating them? Jesus cuts through this.
This verse, often called the Golden Rule, is Jesus' summary of what true justice looks like.
A Mirror to Ourselves
He turns our focus inward. We know precisely how we want to be treated – with kindness, respect, and consideration. Jesus says, take that exact standard and apply it to others. It's not about figuring out a complex ethical system; it's about using our own desires for good treatment as the blueprint for how we treat everyone else.
Beyond Self-Interest
Commentators point out that this rule challenges our natural tendency to be wise only for ourselves. We can easily list our rights and expectations, but often fall short when it comes to extending that same consideration to others, especially those we disagree with or find difficult. Jesus calls us to a higher standard, one that goes beyond simple reciprocity or what's convenient.
Why does Jesus link treating others well to becoming like God? It's about reflecting His character in a world that often feels harsh.
Jesus doesn't just give us a social ethic; he points us to the divine source of all true goodness.
A Divine Blueprint
By commanding us to treat others as we wish to be treated, Jesus is calling us to mirror the very nature of God. The biblical commentators emphasize that God's kindness is not limited by human merit; He pours out His goodness on both the just and the unjust, the thankful and the unthankful. This generosity is the ultimate model.
The Mark of God's Children
When we extend kindness, patience, and love – even to those who don't deserve it or haven't earned it – we are acting like our Heavenly Father. This isn't about earning our status as God's children, but about reflecting the adoption we already have through Christ. It’s a tangible way to live out our identity in Him.
This is the parallel passage in Matthew's Gospel, often called the Golden Rule, directly stating the same principle and its connection to the Law and the Prophets.
Leviticus 19:18This Old Testament commandment to 'love your neighbor as yourself' is the foundational principle that Jesus expands upon with the Golden Rule, showing its deep roots in Jewish law.
Romans 13:8-10Paul echoes Jesus' teaching by stating that love fulfills the law, directly linking love for others to the commandments, including the principle behind the Golden Rule.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7This chapter beautifully describes the characteristics of love in action, providing concrete examples of how the 'Golden Rule' should manifest in our interactions.
Colossians 3:12-14These verses urge believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, and patience, which are all essential virtues for putting the Golden Rule into practice.
jfbLuke 6:12-49: "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Lu 6:12-49. The Twelve Apostles Chosen—Gathering Multitudes—Glorious Healing.12, 13. went out—probably from Capernaum.all night in prayer … and when … day, he called, &c.—The work with which the next day began shows what had been the burden of this night's devotions. As He directed His disciples to pray for "laborers" just before sending themselves forth (see on…
ellicottLuke 6:31: "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
(31) As ye would that men should do to you . . . —See Note on Matthew 7:12 . The very different arrangement of the precepts in the two discourses is obviously an argument against their identity.
This verse isn't just about wishing well for others; it's a sharp reminder that our own desires for how we should be treated are the blueprint for how we're called to act. Jesus is showing us that justice and kindness aren't abstract ideals, but practical actions rooted in our own needs and expectations.
Following His all-night prayer, Jesus chooses His twelve apostles and then descends to a mountainside to teach the crowds who have gathered. He lays out radical teachings about the Kingdom of God, calling His followers to love their enemies, give generously, and forgive others. This verse acts as a concise summary, the "Golden Rule," encapsulating the ethical heart of the radical love and compassion He's just been describing.
Following His all-night prayer, Jesus chooses His twelve apostles and then descends to a mountainside to teach the crowds who have gathered. He lays out radical teachings about the Kingdom of God, calling His followers to love their enemies, give generously, and forgive others. This verse acts as a concise summary, the "Golden Rule," encapsulating the ethical heart of the radical love and compassion He's just been describing.
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"And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." — This verse isn't just about wishing well for others; it's a sharp reminder that our own desires for how we should be treated are the blueprint for how we're called to act. Jesus is showing us that…