We have all heard of the golden rule “treat others how you want to be treated.” However, instead of just treating others the way you would want to be treated, think about others the way you would want to be thought of.
We are taught not to pick on people, jump on their failures or criticize their faults because the criticism that we measure out to others will come back to us in the same measure. If we think about it, do you want to live your life judging and being judged? Theologians say that we were created to be in community, not to treat each other with a spirit of judgment. There is something in us that permits us to live for a better impression of ourselves but not by belittling someone else.
Too often, we are too quick in judging others’ relationships, parenting skills or other habits when our own may be lacking in some ways. For example, we say that someone who never exercises is lazy or that someone who hides their feelings is cold or antisocial. We judge people all the time based on who has what position or job, who is busier, who has more stress, who has it rougher and so on.
Someone tells us bad news and we secretly rejoice that it is not us. Someone shares good news and we call them arrogant. But no one wins because we are all on the same team. Instead of judging and criticizing, it is an opportunity to look for a way to bless somebody who is not in a position to reciprocate.
Identify someone today that you can encourage and go out of your way to make them feel special. The Bible teaches that “If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return and the way you treat others is the way you will be treated.”
Finally, remember these pointers:
- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
- Speak to and of others how you would like to be spoken to and about.
- Feel about others how you would have them feel about you.
- Think of others the way you would like to be thought of.
- And make an effort to respect even the unrespectable.
Try applying the Golden Rule every day because it will make your life much more enjoyable. Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Chaplain Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
