Were you taught the Golden Rule as a child? It always took the form of “Treat others like you want to be treated” or “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” Whatever form you were taught, the premise remained the same. It’s how you treat others that matters. This “rule” finds its basis in Jesus’ teaching at the Sermon on the Mount. We need to remember the Golden Rule.
Matthew 7:12
In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Scratch Beneath the Surface
In a day where everyone is for themselves, and each has got to get their own Jesus’ words might seem a little trite and old fashioned. That is because we have lost our desire to hear the truth. People are afraid of confrontation and are super defensive when their errors are pointed out. This has made how we treat others superficial and self-serving. This wasn’t Jesus’ intent when He spoke this, and it is leaving us with bigger and bigger blind spots in our character.
Start with Looking Inside Yourself
How we treat others should start with the understanding that we are all sinners in need of the grace of Jesus Christ. That perspective should begin with us, not the other person. Instead of looking at ourselves as a good person with some flaws, we need to look at ourselves as helpless without the atoning work of the cross. This way, when someone offers a suggestion or help in an area where we are weak, we listen to it instead of resisting. Sure, people can be mean-spirited and say cruel things, but real friends say things in love.
Remember the Golden Rule
As a friend to those we love, we need to be willing to be eyes for their blind spots. Too many times, we remain silent while we watch someone we care about plunge into a dumb decision. Our motivation behind our inaction? Deep down, we don’t want anyone telling us what to do. Instead we need to love someone enough to speak wisdom into their life because that is what we would want them to do to us. It’s messy and takes more work, but the end result is much more desirable. Remember the Golden Rule the next time you are with your friends.