It is not an easy matter to do to others what you would they should do
unto you, when they are not following this rule themselves.
When Christ enunciated the Golden Rule in the Sermon on the Mount,
Matthew 7, 12, he announced what is the law and the prophets.
“All things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do ye even
so to them.”
It is good morals and also contains a masterful business proposition.
The reason is, because it is a moral precept, and men are inextricably
mixed with morals in all their transactions.
We can not be guided in our actions by what other men do, except in a
general way, but every one must be dependent upon his own energies, and
be responsible for his own acts.
If we were to do as other men do to us, sometimes, we should be apt to
cause a breach of the peace or commit a murder. That is conceded. But
the persistent observation of this rule will bring all men around in
your favor.
There is reason and common sense to be observed, however, in the
observance of every moral precept. Thus: “Whosoever shall smite thee on
thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
This is good advice coming from the Great Master, but it is not
interpreted as meaning that your cheeks shall be turned toward the
smiter as long as he chooses to strike. There comes a time when the
precept has been complied with, and then let the smiter beware, for a
defense will be made.
We know what the Savior means in all His sayings. He inculcates peace if
we have to fight for it. So it is well to be guarded in our too rigid
observance of precepts, lest we fall into the contrary condition which
would deprive us of our manhood.
“Be strong and quit yourselves like men.”