The Golden Rule is a rule of conduct which illustrates the obligation that Catholics have toward other people and serves as a guide for how we should show our love to them.
The Golden Rule comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He revealed to his disciples that the essence of the law of the prophets is love of God and love of neighbor.
Expressed both positively and negatively, the Golden Rule reminds people to treat others the same way that they would like to be treated, and also to not treat others in a way that they would not like to be treated themselves.
This rule is “golden” because it serves as the highest measurement of morality. Catholics must be committed to doing good for others, unconditionally and without expectation of repayment.
Similar rules can be found in other religions throughout history, even before Christianity, confirming that God’s law of what is right and wrong is universal and rooted in our human nature.
Helping to form our character:
How we become imitators of the Lord:
Showing someone that they have value:
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 7: 12
Finding joy in making sacrifices for others:
So that others can feel the presence of God:
Jesus Christ, whom we Christians believe and proclaim to be our Lord and Saviour, reminded us of the golden rule: “Treat others as you would like them to treat you”. Your various religious creeds may have a similar injunction which meets an imperative of every human conscience. The observance of this golden rule is an excellent foundation of peace. Peace needs to be built on justice, truth, freedom and love. Religions have the necessary function of helping to dispose human hearts so that true peace can be fostered and preserved.
Pope John Paul II, Address to Leaders of the World Religions, 26 October 1986
A foundation for people of faith:
We do not journey with God alone:
Some rules apply in every case:
- One may never do evil so that good may result from it.
- The Golden Rule: “Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1789
- Charity always proceeds by way of respect for one’s neighbor and his conscience: “Thus sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience . . . you sin against Christ.” Therefore “it is right not to . . . do anything that makes your brother stumble.”
Overcoming obstacles to the Golden Rule with God’s help:
The Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of the Catholic Church
Prayer for beginners:
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