“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 KJV)
It was the final week of the county fair, and small-town baker Miss Edith was well-known for one thing: her award-winning sweet apple pie. People came from miles away just to get a slice, and this year was no different—her booth had a line before the fair even opened.
A boy named Jesse stood in that line with a crumpled five-dollar bill, saved from mowing lawns all summer. He’d dreamed of Miss Edith’s pie since last year. But when he got to the front, he saw a sign taped to the counter: “Only two slices left!”
Just behind Jesse stood a frazzled mom with three kids clinging to her dress. One of them, a little girl in pigtails, said aloud, “Mama, I can’t wait for my first bite of real pie!”
Jesse glanced at his money, then at the sign. He knew he could take both slices—and he really wanted to. But then he remembered what his grandmother once told him: “Always treat people how you want to be treated. That’s God’s rule for kindness.”
So Jesse took a deep breath and said, “Miss Edith, I’ll take one slice, please.”
Miss Edith raised an eyebrow, surprised. “You sure, son? You waited a long time.”
Jesse just smiled. “Yes, ma’am.”
He stepped aside and handed the other slice to the little girl. Her eyes lit up like Christmas morning.
Miss Edith leaned over her counter. “You just gave away what you wanted. Why’d you do that?”
Jesse shrugged. “I figured… if I was her, I’d want someone to do the same for me.”
She nodded slowly, her eyes misting up. Then she disappeared behind the booth and returned with a fresh pie wrapped in foil.
“This one’s for you, Jesse. Free of charge.”
In a world that often says “look out for yourself,” Jesus flips the script. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It’s simple, yet powerful.
The Golden Rule isn’t just a motto to hang on the wall - it’s a way of life that brings light to dark corners. Jesse didn’t expect a reward. He simply chose kindness because he knew what it felt like to hope for it.
How different would our homes, schools, jobs—and even churches—look if we lived by this one verse each day?
Prayer:
"Lord, help me to live the way You taught - to treat others not just fairly, but kindly and generously. Remind me in small moments to ask, “What would I want someone to do for me?” and then give me the courage to do it. Amen."
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