So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
It is approaching the season when many of us clean out our closets, moving things out to make room for more. Sometimes churches make an appeal for members to bring unwanted, undamaged, clean clothing and shoes for people who need them.
I remember once going through clothing that had been donated to the church for us to give away and being amazed at the pile of things that needed to be trashed rather than repurposed. I wondered why those who donated would want to give someone else items that were not good enough to wear or use.
The Golden Rule is that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. When Jesus made this statement in Matthew, it was in the context of giving. It applies to other things as well, but as it applies to giving, we can ask ourselves how we practice it in our lives. It suggests that it we put ourselves on the other side, as the receiver. When we do that, it is hard to think that we would want to receive anything that was not of a good quality. Just because people receive something for free does not mean that they are not worthy of our best.
Jesus says if you are going to do anything for others, or give anything to others, do it and give it in the same manner that you would want to receive it. Whenever getting rid of clothes, make two piles: one for the trash, one worthy of people. When you are going to buy a gift for someone, purchase the gift that you would want to keep.
Lord, I pray that we will be mindful of the things that you teach us and thank you for the reminder to treat others as we would like to be treated. You gave us your best; help us to keep that in mind when we give to others.
God bless you!
