The Golden Rule

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

Having arrived in the intimates section of my local department store, I paused at the sheer volume of choices. I lifted a silent prayer for the women I was shopping for and began perusing the racks for practical, pretty undies and bras for people I’ve never met. Twenty minutes later, I was out the automatic doors, a bag of unmentionables swinging from my arm.

It was years ago that Bridging the Gap first started gathering brand-new bras, panties, and socks for the single moms attending its retreat weekend filled with worship and practical breakout sessions, as well as pampering opportunities. We quickly realized that single moms are often juggling the care for a myriad of others before themselves and that simple necessities like fresh undergarments rarely rise to the top of the priority list. And so began the SUB (socks, undies, bras) Project as part of each year’s conference, challenging donors to purchase and donate new undergarments.

It’s an honor to come alongside others with loving care, meeting a basic but essential need. There is nothing quite like new socks and lovely new underthings to boost my mood and confidence, and I want the same mood and confidence boost for the women at that retreat.

Supplying new undergarments for another woman is but one tiny, practical example of today’s verse—the Golden Rule—in action. We’re commanded to love others as we love ourselves in Matthew 22:39, and treating others according to the Golden Rule is the practical reality of embracing that commandment. This requires us to filter our days, our interactions, our experiences through the lens of God’s love for everyone we meet, considering their interests in addition to our own.

I’ve been the recipient of Golden Rule behavior on a number of life-changing occasions, and one way to express my gratitude is by paying it forward. Instead of focusing on how someone can help me reach my goals, I’m asking God for divine wisdom about what allows both of us to thrive. This looks different with every circumstance, and there is no formula other than prayerful consideration for the needs of those around us.

Julie

Today’s Act of Gratitude

View others through God’s lens, looking for a way to be a blessing to them.