One of the best known ethical teachings comes from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus says, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt.7:12). This teaching has come to be known as “The Golden Rule”.

Other religious teachers had expressed this thought in the negative—“Do not do to others what you yourself dislike”—but Jesus puts a positive spin on it and gives it a place of prominence in his teaching.

There are numerous ways that we can apply the Golden Rule to our lives. If we want respect, we should be respectful to others. If we would like to be treated kindly, we should be kind to those around us. If we would like for others to forgive us, then we must routinely practice forgiveness. The list goes on and on.

If everyone practiced the Golden Rule, what a better place this world would be!