THE GOLDEN RULE

Empathy is believing that other people have feelings, needs, wants, hopes and possess a primal desire to live unhindered lives just like we do. This value attests to the reality that, in all their complexities, people deserve understanding, patience and respect. Embracing empathy makes us “feel” other people, connecting with them by our commonality rather than disconnecting from them by our perceived differences. This trait is best learned when we spot someone going through similar difficulties that we went through. Now safely on the other side, we identify and are qualified to listen to their story, look that person squarely in the eye and say, “I know.”

Ages ago, Jesus taught His followers “The Golden Rule” to instill in them the value of empathy. “And just as you want people to treat you, treat them in the same way.” (Luke 6:31) He began with what “you” want and made the case that “you” and “them” are inseparable because we all want to be treated well. You must see yourself in them and act accordingly.

If “The Golden Rule” was universally practiced, this single platitude would level the playing field for humanity, deeming no one “greater than” or “less than.” This royal law requires people to figuratively climb into other people’s skin, hear their beating heart and acknowledge them as worthy human beings. We would devalue no one.

Our relationships with other people should stimulate us as members of a broad society. God’s laws challenge us to grow up emotionally, stay free from offenses and respond to others as adults. The give and take of relationships trains us in maturity as we adjust to get along well with others. We need people and they need us.

The way we learn not to quit on others is found in Jesus’ teaching known as “The Beatitudes.” In Luke 6: 20-38, Jesus gives His followers good reason to have generous hearts towards others because that is the standard of the Kingdom of God. Constituents of this higher realm will do good to their enemies (vs 27), have a giving heart (vs 30), and be merciful rather than rise in haughty judgement of others. (vs 36)

Mercy must be established as an inner attitude before it can be expressed with action. A compatible teaching to “The Beatitudes” is found in Jesus’ parable of The Good Samaritan. In the story, a certain man fell prey to a band of robbers who beat him, robbed him and left him to die. Two people saw the dying man and walked past him unaffected. “But a certain Samaritan who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion.” (Luke 10: 33)

The warm, merciful feeling that the Samaritan had towards the man in peril stirred his heart due to empathy. He thought to himself, “How would I feel if I were beaten and left to die? I would want someone to help me!” That is the inner workings of “The Golden Rule.”

At the end of the story, Jesus asked the Pharisee who had demanded to know “who exactly is my neighbor?” to decide for himself.

Jesus asked him, ‘“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?

     The expert of the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’

     Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” (Luke 10: 36-37)

Empathy is identifying with the humanity of all people. Mercy is recognizing a specific real need. And taking action to alleviate that need is “doing likewise.” Amen