Do for Others

Do for Others

"Until the LORD gives rest to your fellow Israelites as He has to you, and they too have taken possession of the land the LORD your God is giving them across the Jordan. After that, each of you may go back to the possession I have given you." — Deuteronomy 3:20

In this passage, we see the golden rule in practice. Jesus taught it this way: “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12, NLT).

Sadly, many have twisted this principle to mean, “Do to others as they have done to you.” But that’s not what Jesus said. The rule is proactive, not reactive. It is about treating others the way you would want to be treated—not simply mirroring how they treat you.

In our text, the Israelites were entering the promised land. Two and a half tribes had already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. But before they could settle fully, God commanded them to go ahead of their brothers—the other tribes who had not yet received their portion. They were to fight alongside them until God gave the rest of the tribes their land, and only then return home to enjoy their own.

What an attitude! Imagine if we lived this way—refusing to rest until our brothers and sisters also walked into their God-given promises. Imagine saying: “Because I have received my blessing, I will help you secure yours. I will stand with you until you too have entered into what God has for you.”

This is the heart of God. He wants us to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper. Not to be consumed with self-interest, but to care enough to carry one another’s burdens.

As Paul wrote: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, KJV).

A friend of mine lives by this principle. Whenever he has a need, instead of focusing on himself, he looks for someone else whose need he can meet. Time and again, he has discovered that his own needs are met in the process.

That’s the power of the golden rule.

"Do for others what you would like them to do for you."

Have a fruitful day,
(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift)

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