"Do unto Others"

Michael W.
Oct 25
3 min read

So It Will Be Done Unto You

The Golden Rule is the core ethical statement for humanity, yet it often feels like a suggestion rather than a divine mandate. But when we look at the Bible, Jesus provides it not just as advice, but as the summation of all moral law:

Matthew 7:12 (NIV): “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

When we combine this command with the idea that “So It Will Be Done Unto You,” we reveal a powerful truth: the respect we sow into the world is the very environment God uses to shape our lives and relationships. This is the divine law of reciprocity—we are called to be the source of dignity, and in doing so, we ensure a harvest of peace.

1. The Divine Command for Proactive Honor

The mistake we often make is waiting for respect to be earned before we offer it. But God calls us to a higher standard of humility and action. Our responsibility is to initiate honor, not to wait for it. The Apostle Paul cuts directly to this point when speaking to the community of believers:

Romans 12:10 (NIV): “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

To "honor one another above yourselves" is a radical, counter-cultural call. It means you must make the first move. It means stepping past your ego and choosing to genuinely esteem another person's worth and dignity, even when you feel slighted or overlooked. This proactive honor shifts the focus from receiving respect to giving respect—a shift that places you in alignment with Christ’s example of selfless love.

2. Universal and Foundational Respect

The biblical mandate for respect is not limited to those we like or agree with; it is universal because every person is made in the image of God. This is why the instruction is so sweeping:

1 Peter 2:17 (NIV): "Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."

Peter breaks down the scope of respect into four areas:

Everyone: All people, regardless of their background or belief.
The family of believers: Our Christian brothers and sisters.
God: The ultimate object of our reverence and awe.
Authorities (the emperor): Governing powers instituted by God (Romans 13:1).

When we give proper respect to everyone, we are fulfilling the Golden Rule on the widest scale possible. We acknowledge that their soul has value to God, and in doing so, we bring stability and peace to our external world. The world you inhabit is immediately made better because you are modeling God’s own impartial respect.

3. Laying the Foundation: Honoring the Generations

The principle of respect starts in the most foundational relationships. The law of God specifically targets the people who hold the deepest significance in our lives: our family and our elders.

The Fifth Commandment is not merely a suggestion, but a foundational law of society, binding the generations together:

Exodus 20:12 (NIV): “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you."

Similarly, respect for the aged is so important that it is linked directly to our reverence for the Creator:

Leviticus 19:32 (NIV): “’Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord."

These verses emphasize that showing respect is not a matter of social etiquette; it is an act of reverence for God himself. When we honor those who came before us—parents and elders—we acknowledge the wisdom, sacrifice, and continuity of life, placing ourselves under the authority and blessing of the Almighty.

The Boomerang of Honor

The phrase “Do unto others” is the action, and “So It Will Be Done Unto You” is the promise. You are actively cultivating the spiritual and relational environment you live in. By taking the lead in honor (Romans 12:10), showing universal dignity (1 Peter 2:17), and anchoring your actions in respect for family and age (Exodus 20:12 and Leviticus 19:32), you ensure that your life reflects the very law of love established by Christ (Matthew 7:12).