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    Luke 6:31 – Meaning & Devotional

    "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

    — Luke 6:31 (KJV)

    What This Verse Means

    The Golden Rule — simple to state, revolutionary to practice. Jesus doesn't say 'don't do harm to others' (that's passive). He says actively do for others what you'd want done for you.

    This proactive love ethic transforms every relationship. It requires empathy — imagining yourself in someone else's position — and then acting with the kindness you'd hope to receive.

    Historical Context

    Jesus taught the Golden Rule in His Sermon on the Plain (Luke's parallel to the Sermon on the Mount). While similar principles existed in other cultures as negatives ('don't do what you hate'), Jesus uniquely stated it as a positive command.

    How to Apply This Today

    Before every interaction today, pause and ask: 'How would I want to be treated in this situation?' Then do exactly that. Apply it to your words, your emails, your driving, your tipping.

    Related Verses

    Matthew 7:12

    "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."

    Romans 13:10

    "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."

    🙏 A Prayer from Luke 6:31

    Lord, help me treat every person today the way I'd want to be treated. Give me empathy, kindness, and the motivation to actively love others. Amen.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Golden Rule — simple to state, revolutionary to practice. Jesus doesn't say 'don't do harm to others' (that's passive). He says actively do for others what you'd want done for you.

    Jesus taught the Golden Rule in His Sermon on the Plain (Luke's parallel to the Sermon on the Mount). While similar principles existed in other cultures as negatives ('don't do what you hate'), Jesus uniquely stated it as a positive command.

    Before every interaction today, pause and ask: 'How would I want to be treated in this situation?' Then do exactly that. Apply it to your words, your emails, your driving, your tipping.

    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Is the Golden Rule?

    The Golden Rule is Jesus' command: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' — a summary of how God wants us to treat each other.

    Read answer

    What Is the Golden Rule?

    The Golden Rule — 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' — is Jesus' summary of ethical living, encapsulating the law and the prophets in one principle.

    Read answer

    What does the Bible say about judging others?

    Jesus said 'Judge not, that ye be not judged' — warning against hypocritical condemnation — while also teaching believers to exercise discernment and hold each other accountable in love.

    Read answer

    What Does 'Love Your Neighbor as Yourself' Mean?

    Jesus called this the second greatest commandment — it means treating others with the same care, dignity, and concern we naturally show ourselves.

    Read answer

    What Is Biblical Love?

    Biblical love (agape) is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional — choosing the good of others regardless of feelings, modeled perfectly by Christ's death on the cross.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Immigrants and Strangers?

    God repeatedly commanded Israel to treat foreigners with kindness, remembering that they too were once strangers in Egypt.

    Read answer

    Deep Dive Commentary

    For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:

    Luke 6:31 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, context & application • The Golden Rule

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    More Devotionals on Golden Rule

    Matthew 7:12

    Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

    Matthew 7:12

    Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

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