The Golden Rule

Everyone wants to do things in a certain way. In the process, one develops a feeling that everyone else should follow them. This is valid if the person is doing what will benefit everyone in the community. But what if the person is self-centered? When Nelson Mandela left prison, he said,”As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” Why did he decide to leave behind bitterness and hatred?  He did so to create a difference both in his life and in his country. He was aware that what he experienced was unacceptable he would not wish for anyone to go through the same experience. This was living the Golden Rule.

The Scripture teaches, “in everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Are we justified in what we are doing to others? Can our families testify that they are pleased with our actions? In case we have had bad experiences in our families, we should be intentional in making a difference. As Nelson Mandela reminds us, no one is going to be happy if they harbor bitterness and hatred. Why are you bitter today? We have to make a choice to take responsibility for our actions. There can be a justification for our bitterness and hatred, especially if it is an injustice committed against us. The truth remains that our freedom squarely depends on our decision to move forward.

CALISCO upholds the Golden Rule and calls us to focus on the opportunity ahead of us. If mistakes have happened, we can correct them by aspiring to do the right thing. As a community, we want to eradicate blame games that perpetuate bitterness andhatred. Choosing the way of Nelson Mandela doesn’t mean we are cowards; rather, we have a bigger vision that cannot be delayed by bitterness and hatred. Take the challenge today to guide your family to higher heights.