This verse has been referred to as the 'Golden Rule'.  It is simple, unambiguous, non-compromising; and interestingly, it resonates with our instinct for natural justice and is echoed by many philosophies.  We know that it is the essence of God's law to Israel because Jesus says that this command sums up the teaching of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).  In other words, this is what God expects of the citizens of His kingdom.

Although it sounds good, and it is, do you know anybody who has always succeeded in doing it?  The only person who has is Jesus.  He came to fulfil the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17).  But we cannot keep this rule because every person is born a sinner, and still has a nature which can respond to temptation (James 1:13-15).  Sin's essence is to be self-pleasing not others-serving; and whenever we fall to temptation, we are unable to relate with others as Jesus wants us to.  So why has He given us a command which we cannot keep?

Firstly, it is important to know God's standard for behaviour.  Secondly, if we do not know what He expects from us, we have nothing to aim for.  Thirdly, if we do not know what He requires, we will not know when we have fallen short, and we will have no urgency to seek His mercy and renewing.  Fourthly, there is help.  Jesus came so that He could break the power which sin holds over us (see www.crosscheck.org.uk).  When people are born again by the Holy Spirit, they start a new life in which sin does not have to win in our lives (Romans 6:14).  Then we can learn how to relate to others as we read the Word and allow His Spirit to work in us so that we may please Him by serving the needs of others and building them up (Romans 15:1-2).  

Practically, this must be worked out every day.  It will mean submitting to other people and treating them as better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).  It is a pride-cancelling command which can only be obeyed when we are so filled with the Lord’s love that we have no need to seek any advantage over another person.  So, how far have you got in learning to relate with others as Jesus did?  Now we know the 'golden rule', let us ask for His help to do it.