Practical applications of the Golden Rule

This week we're reading Chapter 47, 'The Golden Rule', from 'Following the Call - Living the Sermon on the Mount Together' a collection of writings by more than a hundred writers who "call for the formation of a fellowship of disciples who will simply live as Jesus taught us to live." In this chapter, selections from Roger L. Shinn, John Wesley, and Leo Tolstoy. Every week we'll be reflecting on a new chapter. Get yourself a copy and read along with us. www.plough.com/en/topics/fait...
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[@michaelgibbs3147]

:-) Safe & prosperous new year to both of you and your families!

[@vinoneil]

Only found out about the Bründerhof today. I admire the purity of living the way you do and bringing the kingdom of heaven here on earth.

[@_matt_arnold]

I do admire the stability, continuity of people on the Bruderhof, Ive had an extraordinary difficult past few months, life can be challenging.

[@andrewdewitt7234]

I'm not surprised that other philosophies apply 'The Golden Rule', it is a foundational principle in positive relationships. There is an additional aspect that Wesley alludes to: Self examination. In order to fulfil the rule we have to ask the question, how would we like to be treated in this circumstance? We put on the clothes of the other person and look out on the world through their eyes and we examine our feelings. We take a step in knowing ourselves through the lives of others.

[@ComoVivirPorFe]

I think the version that has appeared in other religions is usually described as the "silver" rule, ie. "don't do to others as you don't want them to do to you". Jesus' statement is called the Golden Rule because it is expressed in positive and active terms: DO to others as you want them to do to you. The implications are very radical when you actually start trying to practice it in every situation you are faced with. Also, the Golden Rule (also expressed as love your neighbour as yourself) must always be in submission to the first commandment: to love God with everything... our commitment to God and all that He represents cannot be compromised if we are to truly love others. We may not like people rebuking us when we do wrong, and yet, Jesus tells us to rebuke a brother if he sins. Similarly, we should not compromise on the truth just to not offend others, but a true application of the Golden Rule would still lead us to consider how we deliver that truth and, as you said in the video, to examine ourselves and make sure we are truly motivated by love.

[@christianuniversalist]

Well said! On a side note: How can one acquire a Bruderhof sticker for their car? Is such a thing available?

[@nathanrice1796]

DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU is like an "attitude" or a "frame of mind" that you go around in, or supposed to go around in. If you disagree with this - then you are a bad person.

[@bestillandlearn]

I have a question thats really been bugging me about communities in our area. I know your not amish but you are conservative. So im curious. I am Christian and I appreciate your values. Just make sure God is first and not man made rules and regulations to guard against having idols........anyways, We have an amish sect in our community that struggles with abuse cases and also drugs. If you find that there is such a case within your community are police involved or do you try to keep it quiet and handle it within the church setting?