JERUSALEM FROM THE MOUNT OF OLIVES, From a Photograph
XXVIII
THE GOLDEN RULE
Positive instruction.
Jesus was not content to teach merely "Judge not, that ye be not judged." In a way, that is only negative teaching. It exhorts men to withhold judgment, but does not exhort to positive action. But the nature of the teaching of Jesus is generally constructive. His "don'ts" are always directed against prevailing evil, and are almost immediately followed up with constructive directions as to what to do. So now He continues, "first cast out the beam out of thine own eye"; and further, from place to place. He instructs men how they shall deal with their fellowmen. One's duty is not fully done when one merely withholds judgment; there remains yet to be done some positive act of good—a kind word, a charitable deed, an effort at reconciliation with one of ill-will if such a one there be.
The doctrine of reconciliation.
In the matter of friendly association, good-will, and forgiveness, Jesus spoke very definitely. "If thy brother shall trespass against thee," said He, "go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."