Treat men exactly as you would like them to treat you. Luke 6:31 (JBP)
In the verse above, Jesus gives us a general rule on how to treat people. Perhaps you have heard of the ‘The Law of Echoes’. It is the story of a boy who called out to the surrounding mountains, “I love you,” and was comforted to hear the words echo around the mountains and come back to him again and again. One day when he was angry, he yelled, “I hate you,” and found that those words also came back to him again and again.
And so it is in life. Jesus told us:
Treat men exactly as you would like them to treat you … Don’t judge other people and you will not be judged yourselves. Don’t condemn and you will not be condemned. Make allowances for others and people will make allowances for you. Give and men will give to you – yes, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will they pour into your lap. For whatever measure you use with other people, they will use in their dealings with you. Luke 6:31,37-38 (JBP)
This is known as the ‘Golden Rule’. How do you like to be treated? Most people reply to this question by saying that they want to be treated justly and with fairness; to be treated kindly and graciously; to be given respect, dignity and shown consideration; to be appreciated and valued. But how do we treat others? Do we show them the same respect, kindness, grace, justice and dignity?
We as Christians should echo the same love and respect God has shown us. The Bible says:
As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 (JBP)
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you. Romans 15:7 (NIV)
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
In light of that, let’s apply the Golden Rule as we step out today. As Peter tells us:
Treat everyone you meet with dignity. 1 Peter 2:17 (MSG)