Sojourner #072: Living By The Golden Rule: Honoring Peter Gregerson, Sr.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25)

Living by the Golden Rule: Honoring Peter Gregerson, Sr.

Peter Gregerson, Sr. lived a life fully devoted to Christ, a life guided by the unchanging truths of Scripture. As the psalmist declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105), Gregerson sought to walk in the light of God’s Word in every aspect of his life.

A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Gadsden, a longtime Gideon, and a minister of the gospel, he understood that faith is not merely belief but obedience, echoing James’ exhortation that “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17).

Gregerson modeled what it means to serve others as an outflow of God’s love for sinners (1 John 4:19–21). Whether visiting men in the Etowah County Jail, mentoring his children and grandchildren, or simply engaging neighbors and friends, he reflected the heart of Christ, who came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

His family and all who knew him remember him as a man whose Christian faith shaped every choice, from raising his children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) to treating strangers with dignity, compassion, and the love commanded in Galatians 5:14: “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Gregerson’s life was a testimony to the truth that a genuine relationship with Christ transforms every interaction, infusing ordinary moments with the extraordinary grace of God.

Faith was never theoretical for Gregerson; it was practical and lived out every day. This is evident in his writings, especially The Golden Rule: The Best Way to Live. Inspired by his wife, the booklet reflects his conviction that the simple command of Christ: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12), carries immense wisdom for daily life. Gregerson understood that the law of love, as Jesus framed it, is not abstract but transformative: it calls believers to actively seek the good of others above themselves, by faith.

Drawing on his grandfather’s guidance, example, and writings, Gadsden State Community College Police Chief Jay Freeman launched the Golden Rule Anti-Bullying Program in local area schools last year, teaching students to live out the simple yet profound command of Matthew 7:12.

Through age-appropriate lessons, activities, and mentorship, children learn to practice empathy, respect, and kindness in concrete ways, cultivating hearts that mirror the love and compassion of Christ (Ephesians 4:32).

Through this initiative, Peter Gregerson’s wisdom and faith continue to ripple across the generations. His teachings demonstrate that obedience to God’s commands is not confined to private devotion but is meant to shape families, schools, and communities alike.

In this way, his life and legacy remain a living testimony that Christ’s call to love one another (John 13:34–35) is both timeless and transformative, capable of influencing hearts far beyond a single household or classroom.

Jay Freeman remembers the impact of his grandfather’s faith on his own life:

"This man had a tremendous influence on my life and on our entire family and beyond. He loved us enough to have the difficult conversations with us when we needed them, and those talks made us better. He demanded excellence from all of us, knowing we couldn’t always meet those expectations, but that was his way of helping us improve every day. I love you so much, Grampa. I know you’ve reunited with Gramma, and that brings us comfort. Thank you for everything: your love, your lessons, and your example will stay with us forever."

Gregerson’s influence was both intimate and far-reaching. At home, he nurtured a large and growing family: seven children, 23 grandchildren, 20 chosen grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, six chosen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. In the community, he quietly yet powerfully worked to shape young lives, believing that true transformation begins with simple, everyday obedience to Christ’s commands. He saw the Golden Rule as a principle that transcends politics, personality, and circumstance. 

Last year, in an interview with Sojourner, he reflected: “For me, the Golden Rule is the greatest idea for all thinking humans and has been accepted as the best way to live. It's so right, when we analyze it we just know it is the best way to live. And it works!” 

Gregerson’s words echo the biblical call to love others as God loves us (John 13:34–35), and they remain a guiding light for the program that now teaches students across local schools the importance of kindness, empathy, and respect.

In discussing the program with Sojourner, Freeman emphasized that living God’s way brings clarity, integrity, and compassion to all areas of life:

"Since coming to faith in Christ, I've understood that my life and work are no longer about my own goals or desires but about serving Him and glorifying His name in all I do. Acting according to God’s way provides clarity, promotes trust, and creates an environment where people feel valued and respected. Ultimately, God’s way is the best way to live because it is rooted in love, fairness, and mercy."

Peter Gregerson, Sr.’s legacy is a reminder that living faithfully is never only about the big moments, it’s in the daily choices, the hard conversations, and the consistent commitment to Christ and neighbor.

Through his ministry, his writing, and his family’s continued work in the community, his life testifies to the enduring power of Scripture, the covenantal faithfulness of God, the call to love sacrificially, and the fruit of a life surrendered to Jesus Christ.

Services to honor Peter Gregerson, Sr. will be held at First Baptist Church of Gadsden on Saturday, September 13, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. and the service at 3:00 p.m.

Even in the profound grief of Peter Gregerson, Sr.’s passing, his family finds comfort in the hope of Christ. Scripture reminds us that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8) and that those united with Him in death will share in His resurrection (Romans 6:5). 

As we remember Peter, we do so with kingdom hope, trusting in a joyful reunion with Christ and with those who have gone before, and in the lasting impact of a life devoted to Him.

In remembering him, we are reminded that a life devoted to God and neighbor leaves a mark far beyond the years we walk the earth. As Psalm 92:12–14 promises, “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree… they shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.”

Peter Gregerson's life bore abundant fruit, and that fruit continues to grow by the grace of God. Glory be His matchless name.

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