Do Unto Others

April 9

Context matters.

Luke 6:31 (and its parallel in Matthew 7:12) is probably one of the most familiar verses in the New Testament. However, these words have been so twisted, even to the point of “do unto others before they do unto you.”

But these words weren’t spoken in a vacuum. Several parts of Luke 6 grow out of the general principle of treating others the way you would want to be treated, and the greater principle of loving others unconditionally. These thoughts even flow out of the greater context of the second Great Commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18, CSB)

Luke 6:27–36 is another passage that has been twisted almost beyond recognition. Jesus is not telling His disciples to be doormats, allowing ourselves to be repeatedly mistreated. This section must be read in the context of loving others as you love yourself and treating others the way that you would want to be treated.

And, the command “don’t judge” (Luke 6:37) must be read in the broader context of Luke 6:37–42 also.

Application

Contrary to popular thinking, it is possible to care about the sins and faults in others for the right reason. A genuine desire to help someone become more like Jesus by seeing sins and blind spots clearly (and, thus, being able to confess and repent of them), this is a good thing when approach led according to the biblical prescription. As we do this, though, we must realize that we, too, have blind spots; we don’t always see our own sins and flaws. Naturally then, we would want others to treat us with mercy and grace when revealing these things to us. This is the whole tone of Paul’s communication in Galatians 6:1-2.

Part of loving others is helping them to be transformed into Christlikeness. If we ignore those beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that don’t look like Jesus, are we truly loving them? Wouldn’t the most loving thing be to come alongside them and help them see their blind spots as they help us to see ours? And, wouldn’t the most unloving thing be to affirm someone in their sinful beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors?

Paul urges believers in Ephesus to speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15) Speaking the truth without love is harsh and can spiritually wound and alienate the person we’re trying to help. Equally, speaking “love” without the truth is not love at all by God’s definition—the biblical definition. (1 Corinthians 13:6; 1 Jn. 3:16-18)

If we truly love others, we will encourage them toward godliness, as we would want them to encourage us toward godliness. (Hebrews 10:24–25)

© Copyright 2026 Craig Beaman