People Who Apply the Golden Rule

Are there people in our time who really live by the Golden Rule? Yes, and not just when it is convenient. For example, during World War II in Nazi Germany, Jehovah's Witnesses maintained their faith in God and love for neighbor and refused to compromise the Golden Rule. While the State enforced a campaign of hate and discrimination against all Jews, the Witnesses continued to follow the Golden Rule. Even in concentration camps, they kept on caring for fellow humans, sharing their food, though scarce, with starving Jews and non-Jews alike. Furthermore, though commanded by the State to take up arms to kill others, they refused to do so, just as they did not desire to be killed by others. How could they kill those whom they were to love as themselves? For their refusal, many of them were sent not only to concentration camps but to their death.—Matthew 5:43-48.


As you read this article, you are benefiting from another example of the Golden Rule at work. Jehovah's Witnesses realize that today many people suffer hopelessly and helplessly. Because of this, the Witnesses voluntarily take positive action to help others to learn about the hope and the practical direction found in the Bible. It is all part of a global educational work now being done on an unprecedented scale. The result? As prophesied at Isaiah 2:2-4, "many peoples," in fact over six million individuals around the world, have been 'instructed in Jehovah's ways and walk in his paths.' Figuratively, they have learned "to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears." They have found peace and security in these troublesome times.

What About You?

Reflect for a moment on the agony and suffering that disregard for the Golden Rule has brought on mankind since the rebellion in Eden, instigated by Satan the Devil. Jehovah purposes to reverse the situation soon. How? "For this purpose the Son of God was made manifest, namely, to break up the works of the Devil." (1 John 3:8) This will occur under the reign of God's Kingdom, in the wise and capable hands of Jesus Christ, the one who taught and lived by the Golden Rule.—Psalm 37:9-11; Daniel 2:44.


Following the Golden Rule can lead to true peace and security
King David of ancient Israel observed: "A young man I used to be, I have also grown old, and yet I have not seen anyone righteous left entirely, nor his offspring looking for bread. All day long he is showing favor and lending, and so his offspring are in line for a blessing." (Psalm 37:25, 26) Would you not agree that most people today are taking and grabbing rather than "showing favor and lending"? Clearly, following the Golden Rule can lead to true peace and security because it puts one in line for blessings now and in the future under God's Kingdom. God's Kingdom will do away with every last vestige of selfishness and wickedness on earth and replace the present system of corrupt man-made rule with a new system of God's making. Then, all people will enjoy living by the Golden Rule.—Psalm 29:11; 2 Peter 3:13.