Luke 6:31 is Jesus’ call to treat other people the way you would want to be treated yourself. It is often called the Golden Rule, and it sums up how a follower of Jesus should act toward others. Jesus spoke these words to his disciples during the Sermon on the Plain, and the crowd of listeners was gathered around them.
“As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them.
Luke 6:31 (WEB)
What Luke 6:31 Means
The verse begins with “As you would like people to do to you.” Jesus starts with something every person already understands: we know what we hope for when we are hurt, tired, or in need. We want fairness, kindness, and patience. He asks us to start from that knowledge rather than from our first instinct, which is often to protect ourselves or get even.
The second half, “do exactly so to them,” turns that knowledge into action. The verse does not say to feel warmly toward people or to wait until they deserve it. It asks you to act. The word “exactly” makes the call specific and practical, pointing to the everyday choices of speech, time, money, and forgiveness.
It is also important to see what the verse does not promise. It does not say that people will always treat you well in return, and it does not say that doing good guarantees a good result. Jesus is describing the character of a person who loves others, not a formula for controlling how they respond.
The Context of Luke 6:31
Luke wrote this Gospel, traditionally attributed to a physician and companion of Paul, to readers who wanted an orderly account of Jesus’ life and teaching. The Sermon on the Plain in chapter 6 is Luke’s version of the teaching found in Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount, and it speaks to people who were learning what it meant to live as citizens of God’s kingdom.
The verses just before and after set Luke 6:31 in a clear frame. Jesus has just told his listeners to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, and give to anyone who asks. Then in verses 32 to 34 he contrasts this with ordinary reciprocity, pointing out that even sinners love those who love them. Read in that setting, the Golden Rule is not simply a rule of polite exchange. It is a call to a generosity that goes beyond what people normally expect from one another.
Key Phrases in Luke 6:31
Matthew 7:12
Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
(WEB)
Matthew records the same Golden Rule within the Sermon on the Mount, placing it as a summary of the Law and the Prophets. Reading it alongside Luke helps you see that this teaching is central to Jesus’ whole message about how to love others.
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
(WEB)
This verse comes just after the Golden Rule passage and shows the deeper motive behind it. Jesus calls his followers to love their enemies and to do good without expecting anything in return, pointing to God’s own kindness toward the ungrateful and wicked.
A Short Prayer From Luke 6:31
Father, you have shown me what kindness looks like in the life and words of Jesus. Some days I find it easy to treat others well, and other days I am quick to protect myself or to repay people in kind. Help me remember how I would want to be treated and let that memory shape my words and actions today. Give me patience with those who frustrate me and a generous heart toward those who need help. Amen.
