Meaning of Luke 6:31

This verse, commonly known as the Golden Rule, encapsulates a profound ethical principle that transcends religious boundaries, though its roots are deeply embedded in the covenantal relationship God established with humanity. Jesus presents this directive as a core tenet of discipleship, not as a novel invention, but as a distillation of the Law and the Prophets. It calls for empathetic reciprocity, urging individuals to consider their actions from the perspective of those who will be affected, thereby fostering a community characterized by compassion, fairness, and mutual respect. The principle's universality lies in its appeal to a shared human experience of desire for good treatment and aversion to mistreatment, making it a foundational standard for interpersonal conduct.

Context and Background

Luke 6:31 is situated within Jesus' Sermon on the Plain, a discourse that parallels Matthew's Sermon on the Mount. In this context, Jesus is addressing his disciples and a larger crowd, outlining the radical ethics of the Kingdom of God. He has just delivered a series of beatitudes and woes, emphasizing a reversal of worldly values. Following these pronouncements, Jesus begins to expound on practical implications for living within this new divine order. The verses immediately preceding Luke 6:31 speak of loving enemies, blessing those who curse, and turning the other cheek (Luke 6:27-30). This immediate context highlights that the Golden Rule is not merely a pragmatic suggestion for self-interest but an extension of a radical, self-sacrificial love that extends even to adversaries.

Key Themes and Messages

The central theme is reciprocal ethics – treating others as one desires to be treated. This principle operates on empathy and imagination, requiring individuals to step outside their own immediate desires and consider the well-being and feelings of others. It emphasizes impartiality, suggesting that one's own standard of what is good and just should be applied universally. Furthermore, it promotes active benevolence, implying that one should not only refrain from harming others but actively seek to do them good, as one would wish to be done unto. The underlying message is that true righteousness involves outward-facing love and concern for the neighbor.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, the Golden Rule is a practical manifestation of the love commanded by God. It calls believers to embody Christ's teachings by extending grace, kindness, and justice to all, regardless of their disposition towards them. Its application is demanding, requiring constant self-awareness and a willingness to prioritize the needs and feelings of others. In practice, it means refraining from gossip, offering forgiveness, providing help, and engaging in honest and respectful dialogue. It serves as a compass for ethical decision-making in all spheres of life, from personal relationships to broader societal interactions.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The Golden Rule is not a new law but a concise articulation of the spirit of the Mosaic Law and the Prophets. The Old Testament contains numerous injunctions to love one's neighbor (e.g., Leviticus 19:18) and to treat foreigners justly (e.g., Exodus 22:21). Jesus, by presenting this rule, demonstrates how these ancient commands are to be understood and lived out in the context of his ministry and the dawning of the Kingdom of God. It is a fundamental principle that underpins the covenantal relationship between God and his people, and between individuals within that community.

Analogies

One analogy for the Golden Rule is a mirror. Just as one would want to see a clear and undistorted reflection in a mirror, one should strive to interact with others in a way that is clear, honest, and reflects well on their character. Another analogy is that of a well-maintained garden. If one desires their own garden to be beautiful and productive, they must also tend to the gardens of their neighbors, understanding that the health of the entire community is interconnected.

Relation to Other Verses

• Leviticus 19:18: "You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord." This Old Testament commandment is seen as the foundation upon which Jesus builds.
• Matthew 22:39: Jesus quotes Leviticus 19:18 as the second great commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The Golden Rule in Luke 6:31 is a practical outworking of this command.
• Matthew 7:12: The parallel passage in Matthew's Gospel states, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." This reinforces the idea that the Golden Rule summarizes the essence of biblical ethics.
• Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage elaborates on the self-sacrificial aspect inherent in the Golden Rule.