“Do for others what you want them to do for you: this is the meaning of the Law of Moses and of the teachings of the prophets” (Matthew 7:12, GNT).

     They say that necessity makes strange bed fellows. Who would conceive that a tarantula and a frog would become faithful friends? It’s true. Microhylids, or narrow-mouth frogs, live with tarantulas and feed on the tiny insects that burrow into the ground and eat the spiders’ eggs.

     In turn, tarantulas keep the frogs close at hand and protect the defenseless amphibians from other prey. Felix Unger and Oscar Madison would be pleased. (Well, maybe not Oscar so much as Felix.)

      Interestingly enough, nature’s version of the odd couple demonstrates the time-honored principle we have come to know as the Golden Rule. Do for others what you want them to do for you. This ideal is more than a simple quid-pro-quo. Jesus views this behavior as the fulfillment of the Old Testament Law.

     The awesome thing about the Golden Rule is it can be applied in all arenas of human interaction. Treating your spouse with the same level of understanding you wish to be treated will strengthen the bonds of love and devotion. Treating the driver next to you with the same manner of courtesy you desire will lead to fewer accidents. Even treating your enemies with the same degree of human dignity you expect will deescalate conflict and endless reprisal.

      In general, treating others in the ways you wish to be treated makes life better for everyone. So, the next time you have the inclination to stomp on a spider or fricassee a frog, consider how  you might feel if you were in their position. My hunch is that as you put the Golden Rule into action, everyone involved with go away from the encounter leaping with joy!