Matthew 7:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Otherwise; The Lord desires to teach that men ought to seek aid from above, but at the same time to contribute what lays in their power; wherefore when He had said, Ask, seek, and knock, He proceeds to teach openly that men should be at pains for themselves, adding, Whatsoever ye would &c.

It presents a direct path to righteousness, as we are inherently human and possess an understanding of what is right. If you desire favor, engage in good deeds; if you wish to earn the love of your adversaries, extend love to them. The teachings of God's law and the prophets echo the same principles as those outlined by natural law.

Firmness and strength of walking by the way of wisdom in good habits is thus set before us, by which men are brought to purity and simplicity of heart; concerning which having spoken a long time, He thus concludes, All things whatsoever ye would, &c. For there is no man who would that another should act towards him with a double heart.

In all matters, treat others as you wish to be treated yourself. In this concise phrase, Christ sums up the essence of love that he had previously elaborated on. He articulates a straightforward and righteous principle: whatever you desire others to do for you, you should similarly do for them. This is fundamentally equivalent to loving your neighbor as yourself. He further emphasized this by saying, “Behold the law and the prophets.” This confirms what the ancient Law and the prophets testify. The Law instructs, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18), while the prophets consistently urged the people of Israel to practice brotherly love.

Since the Word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ came to all men, He summed up all his commands in one precept, Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them; and adds, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Those who are led by the inherent moral law and fulfill their duties are truly commendable. Human nature possesses an accurate and incorruptible standard for discerning virtue, which Christ highlighted as a source of encouragement, stating, “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, that ye also do unto them.” By this, He demonstrated that this principle embodies the essence of piety and humanity, affirming, “This is the law and the prophets.” However, because our nature fell and the true essence of virtue became obscured, the written law was established. Yet, as this law was also transgressed, its correction was entrusted to the guidance of the Prophets.

He that thinks he ought to do to another as he expects that others will do to him, considers verily how he may return good things for bad, and better things for good.

The Lord elevates us to engage in righteousness and removes the wickedness within us. He has instructed us not to judge or condemn others and to forgive our neighbors for their transgressions against us. He also teaches: "Whatever you want men to do to you, you do also to them" (Matthew 7:12). Just as we desire our neighbors to be forgiving of our deficiencies and to bear with our insults and wrongs, we must extend the same kindness to them. In doing so, we will attain the fullness of goodness, which empowers our prayers; the effectiveness of our prayers correlates with the extent of our goodness. If we forgive, we will be forgiven; if we give, it will be given back to us. A generous measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into our laps. With the measure you use, it will be measured back to you (Luke 6:37, 38), from the merciful God, who is just in His mercy.

Refrain from doing unto others what you would not wish for yourself. This fundamental moral guideline is embedded in everyone's conscience. The teachings of the law and the prophets of yesteryear articulate this foundational obligation of love for our neighbors. Our Lord Jesus Christ, having consecrated this principle of love through His teachings, instructs believers to champion the genuine well-being of others in every situation and with all available strength, just as we desire for them to support our well-being.

This principle, rooted in the most rational essence, is undeniably true, good, and just, to the extent that neither the faithful nor the unfaithful can contradict or oppose it. If you desire kindness from others, extend the same kindness to them. Do you wish anyone to take your possessions, tarnish your reputation, or cause you any harm, even in the slightest manner? Surely you would not want that. Therefore, you must act likewise: refrain from stealing, dishonoring, or hurting others. What is it that you seek from others? Truly, you yearn for everyone to love, respect, and favor you in every possible way. Thus, you should also do the same for all: love everyone, honor everyone, and show favor to everyone. What response could there possibly be to this, or what objection could be raised?

The prayers of those who live carelessly will not yield salvation: implore God for assistance in your salvation, but also strive to perform good deeds as you are able. Thus, after instructing to ‘Ask, seek, knock,’ the Lord provides a universal guideline for Christian conduct—known rightly among interpreters of Scripture as the golden rule: "AS YOU WANT PEOPLE TO DO WITH YOU." You desire love and kindness from all, so extend the same toward them. Treat every individual, including your adversaries, with goodness. If you wish to receive blessings, prayers, and forgiveness for your faults, do likewise for others. Essentially, carry out toward others what you wish for yourself. This embodies the command to love your neighbor as yourself.

The teachings of Christ, along with His commandments, can be encapsulated in His profound statement: In all things, as ye would that men should do unto you, so do ye also unto them. This teaching, which captures the heart of the Sermon on the Mount, is often seen as not something revolutionary, as the Mosaic Law instructed the Israelites to love their neighbors, while some esteemed philosophers of antiquity advocated for the principle of not treating others in ways one would not wish for oneself. Indeed, the Old Testament states: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’ (Leviticus 19:18). The Hebrew prophets also emphasized the importance of loving one another.

After addressing love as the foundation of ethical behavior in Christianity, Jesus Christ also emphasizes justice: treat others as you wish to be treated. The stability of social bonds is rooted in the principle of mutual rights and relationships; this encapsulates the essence of the teachings found in the Old Testament's law and the prophets. Christ complements this natural law with the law of love to illustrate that there exists harmony between God's law and natural law.

In loving his neighbor as himself, a Christian is called to offer others all that he desires from them. The term "ubo" indicates that the Lord is drawing a conclusion from the previous teachings, highlighting how our behaviors and attitudes should generally align, offering a singular guiding principle in place of multiple commandments (such as prohibitions against killing or anger). This principle serves as a practical means for Christians to evaluate their interactions with others. By stating that this encompasses the entirety of the Old Testament law and the prophets, Jesus Christ is referring to the moral law outlined in the Old Testament.

In all circumstances, as you desire, etc. This principle is referred to as the Savior's "golden rule" due to its exceptional nature. We should treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves by envisioning ourselves in their situation while placing them in ours. Are we inclined to extend to others the same kindness we hope to receive when we can? If so, we demonstrate fairness and righteousness. By considering whether we would offer to another what we wish for ourselves, and if our conscience affirms our willingness, we act out of genuine love for our neighbor rather than selfish desire. When Christians embody this principle, numerous vices and injustices would diminish among us, as nothing unlawful, unjust, or violent would exist.