Title: The Golden Rule.

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 Scripture focus: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” Matt 7:12 KJV.

Devotion: The beauty of the passage above is that it distills the entire moral framework of the Old Testament into one principle: treat others as you wish to be treated. This is often called the Golden Rule.  
  When we connect this with the law of reciprocity, we see how Jesus not only spoke to spiritual truth but also to a deep psychological and social reality. Reciprocity is hardwired into human relationships: when someone shows kindness, generosity, or respect, we feel compelled to return it. Conversely, when someone shows cruelty or disrespect, we often mirror that back.  
   By marrying these two ideas, we discover that:  
- Golden Rule: Jesus elevates reciprocity beyond mere social obligation. It’s not just about balancing exchanges but about proactively choosing goodness.  
- Law of Reciprocity: Psychology confirms what Scripture teaches — people naturally respond in kind. Jesus calls us to harness this instinct for love, not retaliation.  
- Practical Application: If you desire respect, give respect. If you long for compassion, show compassion. If you want forgiveness, extend forgiveness.  
- Spiritual Depth: Living by this principle is not just social wisdom; it is obedience to God’s law and alignment with His prophets.  
  In essence, Jesus transforms reciprocity from a reactive human tendency into a proactive divine command. Instead of waiting to respond to how others treat us, He calls us to initiate goodness — to sow what we want to reap. That’s why He says this single principle fulfills all the law and the prophets.      If all human live by this law there will be peace all over the world. There will not be war anywhere, there will be no criminal activity of any type in the world. May God give us His spirit to follow the Golden Rule all the days of our lives. Amen.

Share your thoughts here. Feel free to share this with your contacts. Edited by Dr Joel Olanrewaju gbemide09@gmail.com. 


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