I recently posted a photo on my Facebook GEM page that said, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”
What an amazing truth!!!
For some reason, we think that we are the only ones with problems, are misunderstood or have a cross to bear. Interestingly, we are the exact ones who are quick to judge before understanding. Hmmm….
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. James 5:9
Such is life and being human.
But, what if we purposefully chose a different route every morning when we awoke? What if we chose to listen before we spoke or offered mercy instead of judgment? What if we gave others the benefit of the doubt?
What if we actually treated others the way we want to be treated? Uh oh.
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:31
This message isn’t just for our little ones. In fact, I am certain we could change our lives and those lives around us if we actually made this a daily pledge and put it into action. It’s not like we are promising to feed the world…we are agreeing to treat EVERYONE the way WE want to be treated.
So, how do you really want to be treated? Well, I’d like to be:
- Loved.
- Heard.
- Given the benefit of the doubt.
- Comforted.
- Respected.
- Valued.
- Appreciated.
- Accepted.
- Paid attention to.
- Considered.
Can you imagine trying to do this with everyone you come in contact with? Sounds like a hard task, but with God’s help we could do it. And for those who are mean, ugly and hateful…scriptures suggest we avoid them.
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. Romans 16:17
Do you find it as interesting as I do that scripture doesn’t say ‘tell them they are wrong,’ ‘let them have it,’ or ‘teach them a lesson.’ God says to AVOID them. This may not always be possible, but we already know that if we come to a difficult situation, God has promised to give us a way out that is without sin (see 1Corinthians 10:13).
Everyone is battling something. You and I have the opportunity to either help them or hurt them.
Which will you choose?
Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 31:9 – Open your mouth, judge righteously; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Great advice in your first paragraph. You never know who could be at the end of their rope or even more important, at the door of a faith breakthrough. The devil would want nothing more than for someone to derail that.
Thanks, Jason! My girlfriend and I were just talking about how normal everyone looks from the outside, but sometimes have gone through horrendous circumstances that you would never know by just looking at them! I definitely think I could do better with ‘treating people as I want to be treated.’ It’s something we talk to our children about, but tend to forget ourselves. Have a great weekend!