Craig T. Owens

Probably almost everyone has heard the so-called Golden Rule that Jesus gave us:

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)

Most of the time we apply this verse from an I-perspective. That is, we ask, “How would I want to be treated in this situation,” and then we treat others like that.

What about if we switch it? What if we took the time to find out how the other person wanted to be treated?

In Romans 12, Paul says we are all interdependent on one another (v. 6). And he gives us some ways to live out the Golden Rule from an others-perspective. So from his teaching, here’s a checkup I’m giving myself:

• Am I truly devoted to others, like I would be to my own family members (v. 10a)?
• Do I honor others’ wishes ahead of my own (v. 10b)?
• Do I work to find harmony (v. 16)?
• Am I willing to do what others think is right (v. 17)?
• Do I work hard to find a peaceful solution for everyone involved (v. 18)?

Now here’s the real test:

• How would others answer the above questions about me?
• How would someone who doesn’t like me answer those questions about me (v. 20)?

This checkup is making me think. How about you?