Another sermon Chalmers gave concerned what we call the Golden Rule which is: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew. 7:12 ESV)
Chalmers asserts that the Golden Rule gives direction to our giving as well as to what we should expect from others when we are in need. [1]
The vast majority of us will not be the poorest and most destitute person in the world so most of us will be in a position to give to others. Chalmers asserts that even the poor are able to contribute to the cause of charity. And if we can contribute, we should for Jesus has stated: ”It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35 ESV) [2]
How much should we give? The Golden Rule says the more selfish and unbounded our desires are when we are in need, the greater are the obligations the Golden Rule places upon us when we are in a position to give. [3] However much we give should determine how much we can expect from others when we are in need.
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[1] Thomas Chalmers. The Application of Christianity to the Commercial and Ordinary Affairs of Life. Hartford: Oliver D. Cooke, 1821. Reprinted by Sagwan Press. p. 117.
[2] Chalmers, p. 126.
[3] Chalmers, p. 117.
