Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
What does it mean to be God’s child? Jesus helps us to understand this in the present context. Our Lord connected God’s goodness (Matthew 7:7-11) to our kindness shown to others. Earlier in the Sermon on the Mount, He had said, “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.” Such was the design, or purpose, of one’s loving both friend and foe (Matthew 5:43-48).
God’s Word directs and transforms us into being more and more like God. What a thought! We choose to treat others with kindness because we are children of the King. Such kindness is both positive and active – it is NOT simply resisting
the temptation to do evil unto another. In this way God uses us, His children, to impact the lives of others.