“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12 NASB

You may recognize this as something called The Golden Rule. As a child you may have heard it said this way, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This isn’t just something you say to children, it’s something you hope they learn to live by. It goes along with the greatest commandment. When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, he said that it was to love the Lord, your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. He said that the second was like it in that we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40).

It’s something that I often hear people telling children, but as an adult, do you follow this rule in your dealings with other people? Do you treat them in the same way you would want them to treat you? Think about this one for a minute. Would you want them to gossip about you behind your back? Would you want them to stir trouble between you and others? Would you want them to cheat you? Would you want them to respond to a simple request with sarcasm? Would you want them to help you in a time of need? How do you treat others, especially those that may not be in your circle of close friends?

The Ten Commandments tells us that we shall not lie about our neighbor or desire to have anything that belongs to them. Galatians 6:10 tells us that while we have the opportunity we should do good to all people, especially those who are of the household of the faith. Romans 12:10 tells us to love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Philippians 2:3 tells us to do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Our scripture passage today doesn’t just tell us to treat those we love as we hope they would treat us. It tells us to treat others that way. Many scripture passages say your brother or your neighbor, but this one just says others. It doesn’t speak of any relationship. This means the beggar on the street. This could mean the not-so-kind co-worker. This means anyone we encounter.

Could you just imagine what a wonderful world this would be if each and everyone of us took the time to think, “How would I like it if someone did that to me?” before we spoke or did something to someone else that may not be so Christian-like. What if we made a habit of stopping in anger and asking ourselves this question?

There is nowhere in the Bible that tells you to mistreat someone even if they are mistreating you. We are told over and over again in countless scripture passages to love one another and be kind to one another. We are even told to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).

Now some of us will try to use this scripture in reverse and justify our poor behavior by saying that they started it or they did it to us first, but we know that’s not going to fly with God. Our job is to imitate Christ. His job is to handle vengeance and I can tell you from first hand experience, He does it very well (Romans 12:19).

Before you express your opinion and speak out against someone ask yourself, “How would I like it if they did that or said that about me?” Allow yourself to stop there. Don’t try to justify it. Don’t try to rationalize it. Just give it over to God.

Have a great day!