The Golden Rule (Discussion Questions)

Read Matthew 7:12 (to ;)

Matt 7:12 (to;) In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; NRSV

• What does this verse mean to you?
• How did you restate this verse?
• What other verses in the Bible remind you of this verse?
• What does it mean "to do?"
• Is there any suggestion in the verse that you should wait for something to happen to you before you do good to others?
• Why is this an action verse?
• What kind of action is required of you?
• Why is this called the Golden Rule?

Help the students to thoroughly understand how their actions are to be good. If they are not, why not?

• What do we get when we withhold good from others?
• Do we want people to suffer?
• Who do we want to see suffer?
• How can we correct that?
• Have you ever turned an "enemy" into a friend?

Talk about Bible stories that demonstrate how to do unto others:

• Joseph forgiving his brothers for throwing him into the pit
• David forgiving Saul when he tried to kill him many times
• The Good Samaritan
• List and discuss other Bible stories that illustrate the Golden Rule.