The Golden Rule

 When you look at the original words of Jesus in what is commonly known as the "golden rule" (in Matthew 7), you will notice that is begins with the word "therefore". Just before that, He was explaining how God is more than willing to give us good things when we ask Him, more than willing than we are to feed our children when they ask us for food. 

This context is very important because shows us that what Jesus is actually saying is that what we do to others must be relevant to their situation of need. Doing to others what you’d want others to do to you wouldn't really make much sense outside of this context. 

In the same context of the golden rule found in Luke's account, notice the verbs Jesus uses in explaining how to love our enemies: Do good (with your actions), Bless (with your words), and Pray (with your heart). If your enemies are people close to you, yet they shun you, refuse gifts and refuse to hear from you, you can still pray for them. Instead of letting our hearts be overcome by the evil of others, we may overcome evil with good.

Just before mentioning the golden rule, Jesus says that instead of retaliating against your enemies, do something good for them instead. Then afterward He says that by doing good without seeking anything in return, you'll reflect the mercy of God who is kind to the ungrateful and evil.

Here’s an interesting quote linking the golden rule with the narrow way:

The path which I have set before you, [Jesus] said, is narrow; the gate is difficult of entrance; for the golden rule excludes all pride and self-seeking. MB 138