Do unto others...

Do unto others as they do unto you.

Do unto others before they do unto you

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Over they years, I have heard all these versions of this familiar phrase, but what does it mean? Those connecting words, the conjunctions for your grammar nerds, are vitally important in the above examples.

Do unto others AS they do unto you keeps score. In some ways this can be kind and thoughtful. Sally was nice to me so I will be nice to her. John raked my yard so I will bake him a pie. Other ways it is mean and selfish. The green car cut me off so I am going to ensure they cannot get back in this lane. Johnny lied about me so I will spread gossip about him. Remember, Love does not keep a record of wrongs - 1 Corinthians 13:5. Leviticus 19:18 tells us not be bear any grudge but to love our neighbor as ourselves.  Keeping a record of rights can lead to the resentment also. See also the post titled Love is Fish Slime (Feb. 2021) for another example of love/service that does not expect anything in return. Doing unto others as they do unto you does not fit in the Christian worldview.

Do unto others BEFORE they do unto you, a slippery slope. Mary will need help with childcare next week. I am going to volunteer before she has to ask. Rick might say something bad about me, I will tell others about him first. Anticipating and acting on the needs of others can be a wonderful act of love and kindness. In this scenario we are reaching out with no expectation in return, or maybe we are expecting something in return. If I do XX then Jean will be obligated to do YY for me. Perhaps that person has bullied you in the past, so you are going to hit (physically or metamorphically) first. You must consider why you are doing something. Is it to garner glory for yourself, to gain points with God, or to truly be of service to others? Maybe it is ensuring the other person cannot hurt you or you are seeking revenge beforehand. Again, not a Christian worldview. 

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Luke 6:31). The NASB says to treat others the same way you want them to treat you. Even other religions and worldviews use this philosophy, they call it karma. Galatians 6:7 reminds us that it is deception to think we can mock God; we will reap what we sow. If we treat others with grace, dignity, and respect, that is what we will get in return. Perhaps not right away (did you expect glory and gratitude?) but Paul goes on in his letter to the Galatians and tells us that if we sow or cultivate things that are worldly that is what we will get in return. If we cultivate things of the Spirit, that is what we will reap.  We should not tire of doing good, in due time we will reap eternal life if we do not grow weary (Gal. 6:8-9). 

We are in the time of planting and sowing in Alaska. If I plant a tomato seed and expect to reap a cucumber, I will be sorely disappointed. If I plant an apple tree and expect fresh apple pie in the fall, I will be disappointed. Do not grow weary of doing good. God has marvelous things planned for His children. The apples you plant today might be gathered by another, but the tree will bear fruit. 

Lord, Heavenly Father

Sometimes it is difficult not to treat others like they treat me

Sometimes it seems impossible not to lash out or 

keep score.

Jesus, I praise You for loving me through all 

the times I have not been loving, for not keeping score!

Guide me especially when I grow weary, remind me that the harvest 

is coming and that which is sown, will be gathered together. 

Thank you for the ability to love others, to serve them according to Your Will.

In Jesus precious Name I pray, 

In Christ alone

Amen