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Matthew 7:1-11 “Judge not, that ye be not judged. (2) For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”

(3) And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (4) Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?”

(5) Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. (6) Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

(7) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

(9) Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? (10) Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? (11) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

(12) 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.”

The Golden Rule Context: Matthew 7:1-11 Jesus has just finished a discussion of hypocritically judging others. He then discusses asking, seeking, finding. He uses the illustration of a son asking of his father bread, or fish.

The golden rule flows within this context. The unrighteous judgment of others would not be following the golden rule. God’s example in granting us good things when we ask is an example of following the golden rule. When we do good things to others, that is an example of following the golden rule.

The Golden Rule… Is Optimistic! The golden rule does not say, “whatever others want you to do, do that.” It doesn’t even mean if we would want something to be done to us from the wrong motive that it is OK for another to do that. It says what “you would.” It is optimistic. In that sense it is based upon the best someone has to offer.

The Golden Rule… Is Optimistic! Many are the sins based upon what others want. Proverbs 1:10-19 It means that we should act based upon how we would want others to optimistically act toward us.

The Golden Rule… Is A Reflection Of The Love Of God For Man! God does not deal with us as we deserve. Psalm 103:8-18; Romans 5:6-10 God expects his children to be like Him. Matthew 5:44-45 Therefore we must practice the golden rule.

The Golden Rule… Is The Practice Of Love Toward Our Fellow Man! Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8 The golden rule causes us to think about how our actions toward others would affect ourselves.

Is The Practice Of Love Toward Our Fellow Man! The Golden Rule… Is The Practice Of Love Toward Our Fellow Man! Would I want this to be done to me if someone else were doing this to me? It is introspective. Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Is Proactive, Not Reactive! The Golden Rule… Is Proactive, Not Reactive! It doesn’t wait for others to do before you start. James 4:17 – The sin of omission. If we know to do good, we ought to do it. James 1:22-25 John 15:4,5 Matthew 28:20

Have you been practicing the golden rule? 1) Its optimism. 2) Its reflection of God’s love for man. 3) Its practical love toward other men. 4) Its proactivity. Have you been practicing the golden rule?

The Simple Plan HEAR – Rom.10:17; Jno.20:30,31 BELIEVE – John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6 REPENT – Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30,31 CONFESS – Romans 10:10; Acts 8:37 BE BAPTIZED – Mk.16:16; Acts 22:16 ADDED TO CHURCH (Acts 2:41,47)