“It would be spectacular if the Golden Rule was golden to every man.” “It would be awesome if we shared everything and being greedy was absurd.” “Treating others like we’d like to be treated has always been our guiding principle.” These quotes come not from a Christian organization, but from Marriott who has been using it in their marketing campaigns. As humans, we realize that this should be true, that we should treat everyone with civility and kindness, but “The Golden Rule” is hard. We all know it. We all could recite it. But we struggle to actually perform it. Let’s remember again what this verse says, and how incredibly life changing it is.
Matthew 7:12-14
12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. 13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ What comes before this passage?
+ How does the Father’s love shown to us impact what your love to others?
+ What does the Law and the Prophets mean?
+ Why does Jesus follow the golden rule with this proclamation about the narrow and wide gates?
+ What is the narrow gate?
+ Why is the way hard with the narrow gate given that we have just heard the golden rule?
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ What ways are you not able to love others because you have not remembered the grace that has been extended to you through the gospel.
+ Have you been trying to take the easy path recently?
+ Is there a way in which you have been avoiding a sin that is hindering your walk on the narrow path?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ How can you show the love that has been extended to you to others?
+ Can you show others the narrow path that is hard but ultimately leads to glory?