Matthew 7:12-- Do unto others whatever you would like them to do unto you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.
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The Golden Rule
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Treat others how you want to be treated.
Reap what you sow.
However you want to state it: It means the same thing. If you want people to be nice to you, be nice to them.
Now--- we all know that not EVERYONE treats us well even if we are kind to them. That's life. So does that mean we can replay them in kind? After all, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If someone treats you badly, shouldn't you be able to treat THEM badly???
Um----no.
Sometimes it would be nice to treat them unkindly if they have been that way to us. But we know that it's the right thing to do. A sinner could see how we are acting (not knowing our story/our WHY) and it would destroy our testimony. ("You're a Christian??? Foot, I act better than that? Why would *I* want to be one of those if you are acting worse than I do?")
Oh, as much as we don't like to admit it, people notice how we act... especially if we claim to be a Christian. A Christian posting dirty jokes/videos on facebook is probably hurting his/her testimony. People watch..... People are human... and people talk. We definitely need to check ourselves. We won't be perfect... not by a LONG shot! But we do need to be careful what we watch, do, and say.
Kinda got off subject there a bit, but it was for an important reason that I believe God wanted us to think about.
No matter what-- we need to treat others kindly, gently, lovingly, respectfully, and calmly. Even if they don't repay us in kind. In the end, it's OUR soul we have to focus on. We can't control others, but we can control our own actions.
Today, think about how you'd like to be treated-- and how you treat others (even those who aren't the best to you). Are they the same? Are there things you'd like to change? Are you following the Golden Rule?
God Bless You!
Kelly
