Do Unto Others

There is a challenging scripture in Romans 12 that most of you have heard. Simply stated, the context of this verse is: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

The motive behind this passage is found in verse 9, which states in principle that love must be sincere. In other words, love is the motivating basis and primary condition for the operation of all spiritual behavior. This particular passage deals with spiritual gifts—and love, therefore, is seen as the motivating basis in the operation of all God-given gifts. A further axiom to this principle is that love always guarantees sincerity. Because selfishness is in fact the opposite of love, selfishness is seldom sincere.

In Romans 12:16-19 there are seven life-changing principles. Let’s call them: “Principles for Human Interaction.” If you ever become the victim of personal attacks or unfair allegations, I guarantee that these principles will work if you put them into action in your life.

Principle #1 (verse 16): Live in harmony with one another. The word harmony means “to be of the same mind as others; to be like-minded.” If we don’t share a common belief in these things, they won’t take place in our lives. This verse gives us two key elements for living in harmony: don’t be proud, and don’t be conceited. Don’t be deceived into thinking that you don’t need others—or that your own wisdom is sufficient or all that you need in life.

Principle #2 (verse 17): Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Our gifts were never intended for evil uses or vengeance—only for doing good to others. Yet, often we are tempted to use our God-given gifts and abilities for evil or vengeance. God gives only good and perfect gifts, and therefore only for good purposes or uses.  We are further admonished to be careful to do what is right in the eyes of others; not just what we consider to be good or proper.

Principle #3 (verse 18): If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. The key phrase in this verse is: if it is possible. Does this suggest that keeping peace is not possible? At first glance it would appear so, but further study reveals that when used in this manner, the word “if” means since. Therefore, the verse more accurately reads: Since it is possible, live at peace with everyone. The Bible is saying that the outcome of all true gifts should be peacefulness. That’s our role, because peacefulness depends on us doing our part. If you’re not at peace with others, don’t let it be because of you.

Principle #4 (verse 19): Don’t take revenge, but leave room for God's wrath. It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord. If others do not respond to your gifts (as you use them to encourage peacefulness), then God promises to deal with them. Revenge is never our responsibility, nor is it permitted in the use of any God-given gift or talent. When our anger gets in the way, true justice is not expressed. We’re not qualified to guarantee justice and fairness in the treatment of those who have hurt or wronged us.

Principle #5 (Verse 20): If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if thirsty, give him something to drink. Our job is to care for the needs of others, even our enemies. That’s why God gave us gifts in the first place, to focus on the needs of others. True gifts only find meaning as we reach out to others in need. Our role is to care for those in need.

Principle #6 (Verse 21): Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. In the context of this chapter, Paul is saying that spiritual gifts are our defense against evil—and our offense over evil. How do we conquer evil? We conquer evil by fighting it with good. The strategy here is to respond in an opposite spirit. That’s why we’re told to love our enemies.

This may be one of the most important principles you will ever learn in life, especially as it relates to relationships and dealing with hurts and personal attacks against your character. The Bible way has never been to fight back in the same spirit. The greatest lesson you will ever learn in life is how to fight fairly in the opposite spirit.

Responding in the opposite spirit will neutralize your aggressor. When someone comes after you in anger, a soft voice turns away wrath. When someone attacks you with hate, a loving response calms the person more quickly than anything else. It’s amazing to watch it work. Yes, it’s tough to do, but with patience and practice, you can do it. And as you do your part (in responding properly to others), God will do his part (the result). Apply this principle to interpersonal relationships and it works every time. For a better understanding of this principle, read Luke 6:27-31.

The governing principle is quite simple. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I believe God operates by the same principle. In other words, He will assume that we want to be treated the same way we treat others. It’s a function of accountability in life. When it comes to determining how God will treat us, he allows us to make the rules by which He will operate in our lives. Because He is just and fair, He cannot treat us in a manner higher than we are willing to treat others.

Ken Owen