So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12 ESV
How we treat others is a direct indication of the spiritual well-being of our hearts. Jesus states several times that the Law and the Prophets can be summarized by loving God with all our hearts and by extension, loving all people. This verse is another restatement of that thought. When Jesus told the people that they were to love their neighbor, someone immediately asked him who was his neighbor. Meaning that this person wanted to draw a well-defined line between neighbors and others. He did not want to have to treat all people equally, especially his enemies or the ones he despised. Jesus answered him just as he puts it forth here. We are to love all people as God loves them, regardless.
This is a heart-penetrating verse. How often do I find myself having these same thoughts tumbling around in my mind? I hold a different standard for how to treat people based on how I determine their worthiness. One way I think about this is to contemplate how I think when I am driving on the interstate. The speed limit is set at 70 miles per hour, yet I will drive at 75. Anyone driving faster than me is deemed to be reckless, even though I am speeding as well. Anyone driving slower than me is deemed to be stupid, even though they are driving according to the posted speed limit. I want to draw a line of obedience or correctness with my actions and make determinations about others based on this.
Jesus cuts to the issue with his statement. He turns the tables on my thoughts and makes me think about how I feel when others do this exact same thing to me. I don’t like being judged or graded along the arbitrary line of personal preference and understanding. I don’t want people to treat me according to their own standards. I don’t want people to make assumptions about me without truly understanding all the background and history that went into making me who I am today. I don’t want to be treated as though I am insignificant and don’t matter.
The key to understanding the Law and the Prophets is to experience the love of Christ for me. Jesus doesn’t make assumptions about me. He knows me completely and intimately. He knows me so completely that there is nothing hidden from him. He knows every deep and dark secret that I am desperate to remain hidden. He knows the evil inclinations of my flesh and heart. He knows all this and yet he still chooses to love me unconditionally and completely. He is patient and kind to me at all times. He understands me. He pursues me. He loves me.
This is what Jesus is calling me to emulate in my life and relationships. No snap judgments about others. No putting others into a pre-determined box. No looking at someone and making assumptions about their life decisions. Jesus calls me to a life of humility. He calls me to be patient and kind. He calls me to be compassionate and understanding. He calls me to be just like him as he relates to me!
So as I go about my day, I want to remember my own failings and my need for grace, mercy, and forgiveness. I want to go through the day being a blessing to others instead of their judge. I want to be so patient, kind, and compassionate with others, that when I walk away they will forget me completely. I want them to only remember the goodness and kindness of Christ toward them. Lord, make this true in my heart. Teach me to view others as you view them and to love them in such a way that they are drawn to your unconditional love. Give me a deep humility that wants to understand and connect with anyone you bring into my life. Let my heart continue to be transformed by the deep love of Jesus for me.