Do Unto Others

This week, we continue to explore how God and His ways are often confusing, yet it's in the Cross where God’s ways begin to make sense. Yesterday, we discussed serving others. Today, we will discuss and reflect on how we treat others. Let’s start with a prayer:

Heavenly Father, I pray that Your words and Spirit guide me in my everyday actions, and that I embody Your love and kindness. I pray for You to convict me when I fall short, while extending Your love and grace as I improve. Amen.
 
Luke 6:27-31 (NLT)  
27 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. 30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. 31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
 
I think most of us grew up knowing the “golden rule,” which is the principle of treating others the way you want to be treated. I think most of us try to live by this, but what happens when we are confronted by someone who doesn’t? What do we do in these situations? Think of a time when you were in this situation and consider how you reacted.

Culture tells us to take offense, take revenge, and fight for our “rights.” They tout Exodus 21:24-25, which states an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise. But what does Jesus say? Jesus calls us to treat others as we want them to treat us. There are no exceptions. We don’t treat others the way we want to be treated only if they treat us the same. If someone slaps us, we don’t retaliate, but give them the other cheek to slap as well.

Take a moment and imagine a scenario where someone is escalating toward you. Keep in mind, you can remain calm, or you can escalate with them. What is the outcome of both reactions?
As a social worker of many years, I can tell you that escalation met with escalation is not productive. I also recognize, though, that it is very challenging to withstand direct conflict without “defending” yourself.

After taking some time to reflect on these truths, take your questions and fears to God. Don’t rush; spend as much time as you need. Below are a few prompts to help you get started.

Seek God for help in situations where you are feeling attacked.
Ask God to help you be more like Jesus in everyday life: nonjudgmental, accepting, and kind.

I pray that God moves through you and helps you maintain a softened heart. I pray that despite frustrations and anger, you continue to treat others as Jesus would.