So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12
Rabbi Yeshua’s teachings might sound like a tenet of Eastern religions like Buddhism or Hinduism. However, while concepts such as “karma” are impersonal laws of moral causation, often linked to the cycle of reincarnation where actions and intentions in one life influence future incarnations, in Yeshua’s teachings, moral reciprocity is Divine retribution by the one God who knows and sees all (e.g., Luke 8:17; Luke 12:2; Ephesians 5:13). Also, Yeshua’s Golden Rule of kindness focuses on ethical living, the importance of intentions, and the possibility of redemption and forgiveness through God’s grace without involving the concept of reincarnation.
In many conservative religious circles, kindness is often seen as a second-class virtue. However, Yeshua chooses kindness to “sum up the Law and the Prophets.” The phrase “the Law and the Prophets” indicates that this principle encapsulates the essence of the entire Bible. How remarkable it is that Yeshua simplified the entirety of the biblical narrative into this one simple idea: be kind.
However, kindness is not the absence of pain but the presence of empathy and compassion, even when discomfort is involved. True kindness often requires making tough decisions that may cause temporary pain but ultimately lead to greater well-being and growth. Just as a parent may force their child to visit the dentist, understanding that this is necessary for their long-term well-being, acts of kindness can similarly involve painful choices made for the greater good.
In his Golden Rule, rabbi Yeshua asks us to imagine a Kingdom where everyone is kind to one another, treating others as they would want to be treated, even in faults or times of distress. Then, once we have imagined it, we can proceed to the second step: “Do unto others.” Yeshua’s message is a cornerstone of ethical living. It elevates us to a higher level of consciousness, where we acknowledge the interconnectedness of all beings and the necessity of treating others with the same grace and compassion we desire for ourselves. To accomplish this, we must cultivate empathy, grace, and love, aiding us in understanding and showing kindness to others. However, how can we extend grace and love to others if we don’t first offer grace and love to ourselves, especially our broken and hurting parts?
This makes kindness more crucial than any seminary degree or worldly wisdom, as it directly impacts the quality of our relationships, the harmony of our existence, and our walk with God.
The essence of Yeshua’s message is that our thoughts, words, and deeds create ripples in the universe that eventually return to us. This concept, often summarized as “what goes around comes around,” suggests that every act of kindness or malice, every word of truth or deceit, and every thought of love or hatred we harbor has consequences that mirror their nature. Life doesn’t always follow the principle of direct retaliation from the same individuals we interact with; instead, it operates through a broader, more intricate network of cause and effect. In this network, my kindness makes my neighbor kinder, which in turn makes their neighbor kinder, eventually leading to a kinder neighborhood.
This method holds a mirror to our actions, reflecting back to us the quality of our engagements with the world. If we sow seeds of compassion, understanding, and empathy, we eventually reap the fruits of love, respect, and trust from others, often from unexpected sources. Conversely, actions rooted in negativity, deceit, or harm eventually bring about suffering, mistrust, and adversity in our own lives. This is not a system of punishment but a natural consequence of the attitude we choose to cultivate and release into the world.
Yeshua’s emphasis is not merely a moral guideline but a call to profound self-awareness and responsibility. It invites us to scrutinize our intentions, to act with deliberation and consciousness, and to understand that our actions extend far beyond the immediate context. This understanding fosters a deep sense of accountability and encourages us to live in harmony with the principles of love and justice.
In this teaching, Yeshua isn’t merely suggesting a lifestyle choice or presenting a moral guideline; he’s unveiling a spiritual reality that governs human existence. This law transcends cultural and religious boundaries, forming a universal truth understood and acknowledged in various spiritual traditions yet uniquely articulated in rabbi Yeshua’s teachings. It’s a principle that underscores the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of every thought, word, and deed (Matthew 12:36).
In practical terms, understanding and living by Yeshua’s teachings can revolutionize our approach to life. It can reduce crime, elevate moral standards, and enhance communal harmony. Your neighbor is more inclined to steal if they fear starving, but not as likely if they know you will be there for them with a meal. By internalizing the truth that our thoughts and actions inevitably shape our experiences and relationships, we become more mindful, kind, compassionate, and just in our dealings with others, which is what “do to others what you would have them do to you” is all about.
When we engage in harmful or unjust behavior towards others, especially those within our influence, we unknowingly set in motion a chain of events that will bring similar experiences into our own lives. This principle is not limited to negative actions alone; it also assures us that acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion will be returned to us in equal measure. This fundamental law transcends time and space, ensuring that our good deeds are never lost or forgotten. They become a permanent part of our spiritual legacy, continuing to enrich us long after our earthly endeavors have ceased.
We often feel inclined to do good deeds in a manner that ensures others—or God—notice and repay us. Yet, Yeshua instructs us to do good simply for its own sake, in secret, entrusting the reward to God. Since we are all fundamentally part of one creation by the one God, harming another is essentially harming our own kin and even, in some sense, oneself. Likewise, helping another is, in truth, helping oneself. The Fatherhood of God impels us to embrace the brotherhood of humanity, even those who do not consider us family. (Matthew 5:43)
Kindness as Evangelism
In Rabbi Yeshua’s teachings, we find an emphasis on balancing intelligence and loving-kindness. This balance, which is the harmonious amalgamation of both attributes, is crucial for acquiring wisdom. Love devoid of intelligence can be taken advantage of and inadvertently cause harm, just as intelligence without love can lead to cold, calculated cruelty. Thus, the true essence of Yeshua’s Kingdom is the embodiment of wisdom, where intelligence and love are seamlessly integrated (Matthew 10:16).
When individuals first encounter the profound truths of the Gospel and experience liberation from their burdens, they often feel an overwhelming desire to share their newfound knowledge. This impulse, fueled by love’s innate urge to share its blessings, is understandable but requires wisdom. Just as accepting spiritual truths necessitates a complete overhaul of one’s life, it’s a significant transformation that people can only embrace when they are spiritually prepared. Consequently, indiscriminate sharing of these truths without discerning the readiness of others is unwise.
Forcing Yeshua’s Way in unsuitable situations, especially within one’s own household or workplace, can create unnecessary friction and be perceived as intrusive or even fanatical. Instead of aggressive or fear-based methods of evangelism, Yeshua advocates a subtler approach. Evangelism should primarily be modeled through acts of loving-kindness. By embodying spiritual truths and living a life transformed by them, one becomes a living testament to the Gospel’s power. A light in the dark. This personal transformation is more likely to spark curiosity and genuine interest in others who will notice positive changes, such as “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23), which function as a foundation for Yeshua’s Kingdom. Then, people will naturally be drawn to inquire and learn more about the source of such values and be open to hearing the Truth.
This article is part of the book, “The Kingdom of Yeshua: Christ’s Timeless Wisdom to Revive Your Spiritual Life.”
