This week we’re going to spend some time with Jesus’ words in Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

We’ve all heard it before. In fact, we’ve heard it a lot. It even has broad-based appeal among those who don’t believe in God.

Here’s the risk with this verse. We can infantilize it. We reduce or over-simplify it, depriving it of its potential and power in the process.

To push back against this tendency, let’s actually think it through. Every day this week we’ll consider another angle.

So, here we go. How do you want others to treat you?

Let me start us off with a suggestion. We want others to respect our opinions. I think it’s safe to say that we all want that.

Therefore, the principle of moral reciprocity embedded in Luke 6:31 suggests that we should respect the opinions of other people. We may not always agree with them—but we respect that they are thinking beings (just like us) and are entitled to an opinion.

If we want others to respect our opinions, shouldn’t we return the favour?

As you go about your day, and as you seek to be faithful in the footsteps of Jesus, do unto others…

And respect other people’s opinions.

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Notes:
—NEW sermon based on Luke 6:17-36 (from Jan. 31, 2021). “Failing, falling and faith in the footsteps of Jesus.” Click here for watching or listening options.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.