This is a golden rule indeed!

(J. C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Matthew" 1856)

"So in everything, do to others what you
 would have them do to you." Matt. 7:12

Jesus here lays down a general principle for
our guidance in all doubtful questions between
man and man.

We are not to deal with others as others deal
with us. This is mere selfishness and heathenism.

We are to deal with others as we would like
others to deal with us. This is real Christianity.

This is a golden rule indeed! It does not merely
forbid all petty malice and revenge, all cheating
and deceit. It does much more. It settles a
hundred difficult points, which in a world like
this are continually arising between man and man.

It prevents the necessity of laying down endless
little rules for our conduct in specific cases. It
sweeps the whole debatable ground with one
mighty principle. It shows us a balance and
measure, by which every one may see at once
what is his duty.

Is there a thing we would not like our neighbor
to do to us? Then let us always remember, that
this is the thing we ought not to do to him.

Is there a thing we would like him to do to us?
Then this is the very thing we ought to do to him.

How many intricate questions would be decided
at once, if this rule were honestly used!

"So in everything, do to others what you
 would have them do to you." Matt. 7:12