Living the Golden Rule: Transforming Our Interactions

 

Summary

In our study of the Sermon on the Mount, we delve into the profound teachings of Jesus, the greatest teacher who ever lived. We all have our pet peeves, those little things that irritate us, but have you ever wondered what bothers God? According to Proverbs 6, there are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him. These include haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that rush into evil, a false witness, and one who stirs up conflict in the community. The emphasis here is on the last item, which is disrupting the peace and harmony among people, the community made in God's image. What truly bothers God is when we mistreat those He loves, when we fail to love our neighbors as ourselves.

The Golden Rule, "Do to others what you would have them do to you," encapsulates the law and the prophets. It is a call to action, a way of life that shifts our focus from what happens to us to what we bring to our day and how we treat others. This rule is not just for believers but for everyone, and it challenges us to consider others' needs and perspectives. It empowers us to transform our interactions, even with those we may not like, and encourages us to act with empathy and understanding.

The Golden Rule is a practical guide for daily living, applicable in every situation, whether driving, texting, or interacting with people of different personalities. It invites us to place others on equal footing with ourselves, to consider their experiences, temperaments, and wounds. By doing so, we become our own teachers, theologians, and preachers, guided by the simple yet profound question: How would I want to be treated if I were in their shoes?

As we strive to live by the Golden Rule, we seek God's kingdom and listen for His guidance. My prayer for you today is to make it a Golden Rule day, to let this principle shape your actions and interactions, and to experience the transformative power of living with love and empathy.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's greatest concern is how we treat others, especially when we disrupt the peace and harmony among His people. Our actions towards others reflect our love for God, and mistreating those He loves is what bothers Him the most. [03:39]

2. The Golden Rule is a universal principle that challenges us to shift our focus from what happens to us to what we bring to our day. It empowers us to transform our interactions and encourages us to act with empathy and understanding. [05:18]

3. Applying the Golden Rule requires us to consider others' needs and perspectives, placing them on equal footing with ourselves. It invites us to think about their experiences, temperaments, and wounds, fostering empathy and compassion. [07:09]

4. The Golden Rule is practical and applicable in every situation, whether driving, texting, or interacting with people of different personalities. It guides us to act with love and consideration, transforming our daily interactions. [06:24]

5. Living by the Golden Rule is a journey of seeking God's kingdom and listening for His guidance. It is a call to action that shapes our actions and interactions, allowing us to experience the transformative power of love and empathy. [10:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:21] - Introduction to Pet Peeves
- [01:29] - God's Pet Peeves
- [02:04] - Proverbs 6: What God Detests
- [03:09] - Emphasis on Community
- [04:17] - The Golden Rule
- [05:18] - Shifting Focus with the Golden Rule
- [06:11] - Applying the Golden Rule
- [07:09] - Empathy and Understanding
- [07:41] - A Golden Rule Day
- [08:23] - Personal Example of the Golden Rule
- [09:40] - Small Acts of Kindness
- [10:09] - Seeking God's Kingdom
- [10:40] - Conclusion and Invitation
- [11:07] - Community and Prayer Requests

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Proverbs 6:16-19
2. Matthew 7:12 (The Golden Rule)

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the seven things listed in Proverbs 6 that the Lord detests, and why is the last item emphasized? [03:09]

2. How does the sermon describe the impact of the Golden Rule on our daily interactions, even with those we may not like? [05:45]

3. What personal example did the pastor give to illustrate living out the Golden Rule, and what was the outcome of that day? [09:40]

4. How does the sermon suggest the Golden Rule can be applied in everyday situations like driving or texting? [06:24]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might God place such a high emphasis on how we treat others, especially in terms of community harmony, according to Proverbs 6? [03:09]

2. In what ways does the Golden Rule challenge individuals to shift their focus from personal experiences to the impact they have on others? [05:18]

3. How does the sermon suggest that applying the Golden Rule can transform one's perspective on people they initially dislike? [05:45]

4. What does the pastor mean by saying that living by the Golden Rule makes us our own teachers, theologians, and preachers? [07:09]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent interaction where you may have disrupted peace or harmony. How could you have applied the Golden Rule differently in that situation? [03:39]

2. Identify a person in your life with whom you have a challenging relationship. What specific actions can you take this week to apply the Golden Rule in your interactions with them? [05:45]

3. Consider your daily routine. How can you incorporate the Golden Rule into mundane activities like driving or texting to transform your interactions? [06:24]

4. Think about a time when you felt mistreated. How can that experience guide you in treating others with empathy and understanding, as the Golden Rule suggests? [07:09]

5. The pastor shared a personal story about making a day dedicated to the Golden Rule. What would a "Golden Rule Day" look like for you, and how can you plan to implement it? [09:40]

6. How can you seek God's guidance in living out the Golden Rule more consistently in your life? What steps can you take to listen for His direction? [10:09]

7. Reflect on the idea that the Golden Rule is a universal principle. How can you encourage others, regardless of their beliefs, to adopt this principle in their lives? [04:48]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Concern for Community Harmony
God's greatest concern is how we treat others, especially when we disrupt the peace and harmony among His people. Our actions towards others reflect our love for God, and mistreating those He loves is what bothers Him the most. Proverbs 6 outlines behaviors that God detests, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace within the community. Disrupting harmony among people made in God's image is a serious matter. It is crucial to understand that our interactions with others are a direct reflection of our relationship with God. When we fail to love our neighbors as ourselves, we fail to honor God. [03:39]

Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV): "There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers."

Reflection: Think of a recent conflict or misunderstanding you had with someone. How can you take steps today to restore peace and harmony in that relationship?


Day 2: The Transformative Power of the Golden Rule
The Golden Rule is a universal principle that challenges us to shift our focus from what happens to us to what we bring to our day. It empowers us to transform our interactions and encourages us to act with empathy and understanding. This principle is not limited to believers but extends to everyone, inviting us to consider others' needs and perspectives. By doing so, we can transform our daily interactions, even with those we may not naturally get along with. The Golden Rule calls us to be proactive in our kindness and empathy, making it a guiding principle in our lives. [05:18]

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: Identify one person you find difficult to interact with. How can you apply the Golden Rule in your next encounter with them to transform the interaction?


Day 3: Empathy Through Equal Footing
Applying the Golden Rule requires us to consider others' needs and perspectives, placing them on equal footing with ourselves. It invites us to think about their experiences, temperaments, and wounds, fostering empathy and compassion. By doing so, we become more understanding and considerate in our interactions. This approach encourages us to see others as equals, deserving of the same respect and kindness we desire for ourselves. It is a call to step into others' shoes and view the world from their perspective, which can lead to more meaningful and compassionate relationships. [07:09]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt misunderstood. How can this experience help you empathize with someone else's perspective today?


Day 4: Practical Application of the Golden Rule
The Golden Rule is practical and applicable in every situation, whether driving, texting, or interacting with people of different personalities. It guides us to act with love and consideration, transforming our daily interactions. By applying this rule, we can create a more compassionate and understanding environment around us. It challenges us to be mindful of our actions and words, ensuring they reflect the love and respect we wish to receive. This practical application of the Golden Rule can lead to positive changes in our relationships and communities. [06:24]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: Consider your daily routine. What is one specific action you can take today to apply the Golden Rule in a practical way?


Day 5: Seeking God's Kingdom Through Love and Empathy
Living by the Golden Rule is a journey of seeking God's kingdom and listening for His guidance. It is a call to action that shapes our actions and interactions, allowing us to experience the transformative power of love and empathy. By prioritizing love and empathy in our lives, we align ourselves with God's will and open ourselves to His guidance. This journey requires intentionality and a willingness to be led by God's Spirit in our daily interactions. As we seek His kingdom, we become more attuned to His presence and purpose in our lives. [10:09]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Reflection: In what ways can you seek God's kingdom today by prioritizing love and empathy in your interactions with others?

Quotes

"God loves everything he created, so when we pollute the skies or harm the Earth, that bothers God. God loves all of his creatures, and so when we mistreat an animal, when we don't care for a pet that we're responsible for, we allow a species to go extinct through our carelessness, then that wounds the heart of God." [00:01:33]

"There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, when you look down on people; a lying tongue; hands that shed innocent blood; a heart that devises wicked schemes; feet that are quick to rush into evil; a false witness who pours out lies; and then a person who stirs up conflict in the community." [00:02:11]

"What really bothers God the most is when we mistreat the people that he loves, when we demean them, when we hurt them, when we betray them, when we mistreat them, when we belittle them, when we allow them to experience suffering and we could help and could make a difference but we don't do it." [00:03:33]

"The Golden Rule, do to others what you would have others do to you, is enough to keep you busy today all day long and every day for the rest of your life. Part of the genius of the golden rule is that it turns around the way that we think about our life." [00:04:53]

"The Golden Rule says no, no, no, no, no, it's not about what happened to you today, it's what happened to your day because of you. What did you bring to your day? What did you do to other people, not how did they treat you? So the golden rule is tremendously empowering." [00:05:25]

"Applying the Golden Rule actually causes me to think more about that other person and what is it that they want and how would I want to be treated if I were them. Martin Luther, the Great Reformer, put it like this about the Golden Rule: it was certainly clever of Christ to state it this way." [00:06:16]

"You just think about what would you like to have done to you and then put yourself in the place of the other person. In the Golden Rule, I place the other person on a par with myself. I don't think of them any longer as something to be used so that I can get what I want from them." [00:07:09]

"I try to ask myself what would it be like to be that person's age, to have had their experience, to have their temperament, to have their wounds. I'll give you one little picture of Golden Rule practice and then we'll talk about this more in the next video." [00:07:25]

"Seeking to live with that thought made a dramatic difference in my day and therefore we don't seek to do it on our own. We are seeking the kingdom, we are looking for God, we are listening to God, and that's the prayer today. My prayer for you is that you will pray this prayer." [00:10:09]

"Go God, help me to make this a golden rule day. If you enjoyed that teaching, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes in this series, Insurmountable, which is all about Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. You can also head over to our website become.com." [00:10:26]

"This is so much more than a YouTube channel, it's really a community of people who are brought together not by our strengths or our ability to achieve, but by our weaknesses and our need for help from God. So we're glad that you're here if you have a prayer request." [00:11:00]

"There's a group of us who meet each weekday Monday through Friday to pray for viewers just like you, so you can send us your request to the number 855 888 0444. We'd love to pray for you. We're glad that you're here. We'll catch you next side." [00:11:12]

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Transcript
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