Matthew 7:12

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”

 

The golden rule I grew up with is: treat others the way you want to be treated.

Upon first hearing this rule or way to live life, it can be easy to go out wholeheartedly and seek to love others. But the first moment someone says or does something that I don’t like, it can be so tempting to throw the golden rule out the window and immediately put my defenses up.

This may very well depend on the person. Some may not struggle with treating people well, maybe it just comes naturally.

It definitely doesn’t come naturally for me, unfortunately.

Let’s face it, there are some people that get on our nerves. It’s going to happen.

But how will we respond?

Will we lash out at someone else’s comments?

Will we try and count to ten as we try to reign in our words?

While counting to ten may seem silly, if it’s what helps you not lash out then go for it.

But I have found the biggest help for me in trying to respond well is God.

He is my source of strength.

He is what helps me control my tongue and actions.

Galatians 6:7

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

If we sow unkindness, gossip, selfishness among many other negative attributes, we will reap unkindness, gossip and selfishness in return.

If we want others to show us love, grace, patience, forgiveness, etc., we have to sow those characteristics in what we do.

Treating others the way we want to be treated.

Sounds like a good philosophy, but can be so hard to actually do.

Ask God for strength.

He is the one that will never leave our side and will always be there to help us.