How should I treat other people?

The principle is very simply and sometimes very difficult. Jesus said, “In all things, do to others what you would want them to do to you.” Matthew 7:12. Once, when he was asked what was the greatest rule for living he answered: “The number one rule is: Love God with your entire being. The second rule is: Love your neighbor as yourself.” And when he was asked who “my neighbor” he told a story that made the point, my neighbor is whomever I can help. Then Jesus set the highest standard of all when shortly before he died, he directed his disciples, “Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15.

How I Will Do Unto Others

What does that mean in a dating relationship? I will help my boyfriend/girlfriend be chaste because sexual restraint before marriage usually helps make the marriage better and more lasting. If I am in an unhealthy dating relationship, I’ll find help to make it better or I will break it off—not just for my sake, but for the sake of my partner. At work, I’ll be the best employee my boss every had. I’ll be the fairest, most compassionate, most honest boss my employees have ever worked for.

I will treat my parents with respect, not because they are perfect but because they are my parents. I will tell the truth, and I may, on occasion practice tough love. Also I will discipline my children even when it isn’t any fun for either of us. I will refuse to enable alcoholic or drug using relatives, and I will denounce any sexual abuse.

I’ll forgive and will allow others to move into the future instead of freezing them in the past. I, myself, will look forward to what God is going to do, instead of wasting a lot of energy fretting over what I have done or failed to do in the past.

How should I treat others? With love, in truth, with justice and mercy always.

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