Living the Golden Rule: Love and Kindness in Action

Devotional

Day 1: Treat Others as You Want to Be Treated

Jesus calls us to consider how we wish to be treated and then take the initiative to treat others in that same way, regardless of whether or not we receive anything in return. This principle, often called the Golden Rule, is not just a suggestion but the very heart of God’s law and the teachings of the prophets. It challenges us to move beyond self-interest and to actively seek the good of others, even when it costs us something or when we may not see an immediate benefit. Living this way transforms our relationships and reflects God’s love to the world. [05:54]

Matthew 7:12 (ESV)
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally treat with kindness today, especially if you don’t expect anything in return? What specific action can you take to show them the love you would want to receive?

Day 2: Show Kindness and Generosity Everywhere

Kindness and generosity are not limited to certain places or people; they are to be practiced everywhere—at school, at home, and in the world. Sometimes, this means sharing what you love most, like your favorite snacks, or reaching out to someone who is often left out. Even when others are unkind or when it feels inconvenient, choosing to be generous and kind can make a difference in someone’s life and can even change the atmosphere around you. [07:54]

Proverbs 11:25 (ESV)
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Reflection: Is there someone at your school, work, or neighborhood who often seems left out or alone? How can you go out of your way to show them kindness or include them this week?

Day 3: Be Loving at Home, Even When It’s Hard

It’s easy to overlook the people closest to us, especially when siblings or family members get on our nerves. Yet, Jesus’ command to treat others as we want to be treated applies just as much at home as anywhere else. Being loving at home means showing patience, forgiveness, and kindness, even in the small, everyday moments that test our character. [09:44]

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Reflection: Think of a recent moment when a family member annoyed or upset you. How could you respond differently next time to show them the same love and patience you would want for yourself?

Day 4: Care for Those Who Are Hurting or Afraid

There are many children and families in the world who live in fear—of war, hunger, homelessness, or being separated from loved ones. Jesus cares deeply for those who are hurting, and He calls us to do the same. Instead of just feeling sad for others, we are invited to put ourselves in their shoes and ask how we would want to be treated if we were in their situation, then act with compassion and justice. [11:56]

Isaiah 1:17 (ESV)
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can show care or advocate for someone who is hurting or afraid in your community or beyond this week?

Day 5: Our Actions Reflect What We Believe About God

How we treat people is a direct reflection of what we believe about God’s character and love. God has shown us incredible kindness, love, and mercy—He provides for us, comforts us, and saves us. When we treat others right, we are living out our faith and showing the world what God is like. Let your actions today be a testimony to God’s goodness and love. [13:39]

1 John 4:11 (ESV)
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

Reflection: In what ways can your actions today demonstrate to others the love and kindness that God has shown you? Be specific about one thing you will do.

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the heart of Jesus’ teaching: treating others the way we want to be treated. This simple but profound principle, often called the Golden Rule, is not just a suggestion for polite society but a command that shapes the way we live, love, and serve. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of giving so that we might receive something in return, but true generosity is about blessing others with no expectation of reward. Whether it’s sharing something as small as a favorite snack or offering kindness to someone who seems unkind, the call is to act out of genuine love and empathy.

This way of living starts in the everyday moments—at school, at home, and in the world. At school, it might mean sitting with someone who is always alone or refusing to join in when others are being unkind. At home, it means showing love and patience even when siblings or family members are getting on our nerves. The challenge is to extend this kindness not just to those who are easy to love, but especially to those who are difficult, lonely, or hurting.

Jesus’ command is especially urgent when we consider the struggles many children and families face—fear of deportation, war, hunger, homelessness, and abuse. The call is not just to feel sorry for those who suffer, but to ask, “How would I want to be treated if I were in their shoes?” and then act accordingly. This is how we reflect God’s love to the world, because God Himself has treated us with unimaginable kindness and mercy. He loved us first, provided for us, comforted us, and saved us. Our response is to go and do likewise, treating people right in every circumstance, because that is what God has done for us.

Key Takeaways

1. Generosity is not transactional; it’s a reflection of God’s heart. Giving should not be motivated by what we might receive in return, but by a desire to bless others, even if there is no reward. True generosity is measured by the willingness to give what is valuable to us, simply because it meets someone else’s need. [02:54]
2. The Golden Rule is a call to proactive kindness. Jesus asks us to consider how we want to be treated and then take the initiative to treat others that way, even before they do anything for us. This means stepping out of our comfort zones to show love, especially to those who are overlooked or alone. [05:54]
3. Kindness is most powerful when it’s extended to those who seem least deserving. Sometimes people act out of pain or loneliness, and our willingness to show them compassion can be transformative. Choosing to speak kindly, share what we have, or simply be present can break cycles of hurt and isolation. [07:54]
4. Love starts at home, even in the most challenging moments. It’s easy to justify impatience or unkindness with those closest to us, especially when they annoy us. But Jesus’ command doesn’t come with exceptions; we are called to treat our family members with the same grace and patience we desire for ourselves. [09:44]
5. Compassion means entering into the struggles of others and acting on their behalf. It’s not enough to feel sympathy for those facing fear, hunger, or insecurity; we must ask how we would want to be treated in their situation and then do what we can to help. This is how we embody the love of Christ in a hurting world. [11:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:25] - Double P’s Engagement and Excitement
[02:54] - Generosity and Giving Without Expectation
[05:54] - The Golden Rule: Matthew 7:12
[07:12] - Treating Others Right at School
[07:54] - Showing Kindness to the Lonely and Unkind
[08:39] - Sharing What Matters Most
[09:44] - Loving and Being Kind at Home
[11:56] - Compassion for Those in Fear and Need
[12:49] - Applying the Rule Everywhere
[13:39] - God’s Example of Love
[16:13] - Call to Action: Treat People Right

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 7:12 (ESV) — > "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 7:12, what does Jesus say sums up the Law and the Prophets?
In the sermon, what are some specific examples given of treating others the way you want to be treated at school? [07:12]
What does the sermon say about how we should treat people who are unkind or lonely? [07:54]
How does the sermon describe the difference between giving to get something back and true generosity? [02:54]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus connect the Golden Rule to the Law and the Prophets? What does this tell us about how important this command is?
The sermon mentions that sometimes people act mean because nobody has been kind to them. How might showing kindness to someone who is hurting change their life or yours? [07:54]
The pastor talks about children and families who live in fear, hunger, or homelessness. Why is it not enough to just feel sorry for them? What does Jesus want us to do instead? [11:56]
The sermon says that how we treat people shows what we believe about God. What does this mean for our everyday actions? [12:49]

Application Questions

Think about your school or workplace. Is there someone who is often left out or alone? What is one specific thing you could do this week to include them or show them kindness? [07:12]
When was the last time you gave something valuable to you (like your favorite snack or your time) to someone else, just to bless them? How did it feel? Is there something you could share this week? [08:39]
At home, who is the hardest person for you to be patient or kind with? What is one way you can show them love this week, even if they annoy you? [09:44]
The sermon talks about people who are facing big struggles like fear, hunger, or homelessness. What is one practical way you or your group could help someone in need in your community? [11:56]
Have you ever caught yourself being kind only because you hoped to get something in return? How can you check your heart and practice generosity with no strings attached? [02:54]
When you see someone being treated badly or left out, do you usually join in, stay silent, or step in to help? What would it look like to follow the Golden Rule in those moments? [07:12]
The sermon says God has treated us with unimaginable kindness and mercy. How does remembering what God has done for you help you treat others better? [13:39]

Sermon Clips

It's not about giving so that you can get. God wants us to be generous and wants us to give out of a generous heart to help other people, to be a blessing to them, even if we don't get anything in return, which means we should help others even when we may not get anything back in return from them. [00:04:59] (24 seconds) #GenerosityWithoutExpecting

If you don't want people talking to you that way, then don't talk to them that way. Talk to others the way you want them to talk to you. [00:08:10] (17 seconds) #SpeakWithRespect

Point number two, be loving at home. Yes, even with your siblings. Yes. That's oddly special. specific but yes, yes, still be kind. [00:09:25] (43 seconds) #LoveStartsAtHome

Yes, even then, Jesus did not say, treat people right unless they're annoying and getting on your nerves. No, he said, do unto others what you would like them to do to you. [00:10:25] (17 seconds) #LoveWithoutConditions

Did you know there are kids in our world who live every day in fear? not exactly, although that's true too. I mean, scared that their family or even themselves may be taken away. Oh, no. Yeah. Some kids worry about deportation, their parents going to work, and they wonder if they'll come home. The raids that are happening, some children are scared to even go to school, to the store, or even to church just because of their status of citizenship. [00:11:12] (40 seconds) #FearfulChildrenNeedCare

There are children every day, everywhere, who are in fear of war, in fear of food insecurity, homelessness, abuse, and the list goes on and on. And Jesus cares about all of them and all of us. And he wants us to care about them too, not just say, oh that's sad, but ask, how would I want to be treated if I were in their shoes? [00:11:57] (31 seconds) #EmpathyInAction

What's the right way to handle very difficult situations? Figure that out and then. That's right. Amen. [00:12:28] (15 seconds) #SeekWisdomInTrials

Because God did. Demonstrates his own love for us in this died for us God saved me He delivered me me He gives me food When I'm hungry He comforts me when I'm lonely He's a good God and he's been good to me Yes, sir [00:13:40] (51 seconds) #GodsLoveInAction

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