The Golden Rule, regardless.

It is probably the most well-known, widely-accepted moral code of living harmoniously and safely in a community – no matter where in the world you live. It’s the Golden Rule, the imperative to treat others as you want to be treated, and it is found in some form in all the major religions and ethical traditions of humanity. It’s a “rule” not because it is imposed by some legal or religious structure, but because it is acknowledged and accepted as a standard of right. It is ethical, it is trustworthy.

Because it is a trustworthy standard for millions of people – and countless generations – it should be the beginning of a decision that impacts others, and it should be the last word in making a decision. It’s the complete mental framework for decisionmaking!

It is a Very Big Deal in choosing to live a truly good and giving life.

Followers of InspiredtoGive.org know that the Golden Rule is the impelling spirit of our purpose, to encourage people to do good for others unselfishly, with the expectation that whatever one does (acts of kindness, prayers of good intention, charitable donations) it will make a positive difference – whether just for one or for many.

“The heart regulates the hands.” There are countless examples of good and kind acts revealed during the past several, challenging months. The empathy shown by neighbors, whether next door or online thousands of miles away, fills the heart to bursting.

Now we need to step it up.

There is more than empathy that is required, more to understand and do that is inherent in the Rule. Turns out, there is a Principle operating in the Golden Rule that gives it power to overcome whatever is opposed to it: selfishness, greed, ingratitude, envy, anger, revenge, hate, bigotry. The Principle is love that is equal.

Think about it:

“Love your neighbor as yourself,” means

“Love your neighbor as equally as you love yourself,” means

“Love your neighbor as equally as you yourself are loved.”

Love not because you and your neighbor are the same, but precisely because you look, believe and love differently. What else could the Golden Rule mean than love that is equal – regardless?

What else can defeat injustice?