The Golden Rule: Can Jesus’ Teaching Change the World?

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Third Year

Gospel Luke 6:27–31 The Law of Love

Jesus said:

“I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on the cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. If someone takes away your cloak, let them have your shirt as well. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not demand back from anyone who takes away anything from you.

Just as you would have men do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:27–31 Third Edition)

To begin

Think for a moment about what would happen if everyone followed Jesus’ teaching: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” This sentence is simple, but it holds immense power. The Golden Rule is a guideline that can transform us and our entire society—but only if everyone understands its meaning and internalizes it in practice. Although it is relatively easy in concept, putting it into practice on a daily basis can sometimes feel overwhelming.

The Universality of the Golden Rule

The Golden Rule is a universal principle that can be found in different cultures and religions. For example, Rabbi Hillel said: “Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you.” This idea has spread around the world, but its full implementation is still difficult to find. Only about 40 percent of people in the world are even familiar with the basic idea of the Golden Rule. However, considering that it has been around for over 2,000 years, one might ask: Why don’t we still act on it?

The Importance of Jesus’ Teaching

Jesus’ Golden Rule encapsulates his ethical principles. He didn’t just talk about love and compassion; he lived them. He encountered all kinds of people, the sick and the marginalized, and his example can inspire us even today. Consider how the pandemic has isolated many of us. If everyone had embraced the spirit of the Golden Rule, loneliness could have been reduced and the community support network could have grown.

Achieving Peace through the Golden Rule

Imagine the Israeli-Palestinian region, where thousands of people have been involved in conflict for decades. Hillel’s idea emphasizes understanding the position of the other. If hundreds of thousands of people came together and began to apply such ethical principles, peace could be possible. Such actions may seem impossible, but there are examples: in 2020, several but few civil disobedience protests focused on peaceful dialogue led to significant progress in negotiations, even though the conflict is still ongoing. Recently, there has been a really bad turn.

Finns and the Golden Rule

We Finns can also put the Golden Rule into practice. How do we treat our neighbors? Currently, over 200,000 Finns live in poverty. The unemployed, single parents and pensioners deserve support and compassion. For example, the Helsinki volunteer project "Alone Together" provides meals and support services to the most vulnerable citizens. This is a concrete example of how we can live the Golden Rule in all its simplicity.

Empathy is the core of the Golden Rule. By combining empathy and understanding, we can actually change our own lives and the world around us. When we learn to empathize with the feelings of others, we become more sensitive to the needs of others. Let's think about how we could improve the lives of the most disadvantaged if we spent just one day with them. Could we commit to doing so?

Finally

According to the Bible, "Whatever you do for one of the least of these, you do for me." This idea is a powerful reminder to examine our own choices. For example, in 2022, the value of annual donations from Finland was over 350 million euros. When we choose to support the less fortunate, we not only improve their lives, but also our own. It is about a connection where everyone's actions matter.

The Golden Rule is more than just a guideline; it is an opportunity to establish a deeper connection between people. The teachings offered by Jesus can truly change the world, but only if we are willing to live by them. Let's discuss how we can implement the principles of the Golden Rule in our everyday lives. Could it be possible that simple and small acts, such as kindness, could make a difference? Let's build a society together where respect and understanding are at the center, because we can all start the journey towards a better world right today.