Many interpreters understand this phrase to be a summary of all that Jesus has said in the body of his sermon (Matthew 5:21–7:11). Equivalent to loving your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:36–40), it is a summary statement of what is taught in the Law and Prophets regarding the obedience that God expects of his people.¹ In context, however, it refers most specifically to the behaviour of Christians towards one another in the faith community when they are bothered by a fault or failing of another believer. They are to treat that believer in the same way that they would want to be treated. This means refraining from hasty, self-righteous judgment and criticism (Matthew 7:1); not giving advice with a holier-than-thou attitude (Matthew 7:2); reflecting on personal shortcomings and failures before commenting on the failures of others (Matthew 7:3–4); trying to overcome and rectify your failings (Matthew 7:5); making sure you correct a fellow believer in gentleness rather than chasing them away (Matthew 7:6); and praying that God would change both us and them (Matthew 7:7–11). In short, when it comes to correcting and rebuking, the way which we would like to be treated is the way we must treat others.² Of course, this specific application also has a more general one and it extends beyond the church community into the wider social context.