Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Luke 6:31
We must treat others the way we wish to be treated. This simple principle—to offer empathy, goodness, compassion, kindness, respect and consideration just as we desire—transforms every daily interaction we have. Yet it’s also the most challenging to remember, especially when dealing with difficult people, individuals who have harmed us, or souls who have broken us.
It’s much easier to treat others the way they treat us—to mirror the same pain and bitterness we’ve received feels like our natural first instinct. However, the moment we set aside our ego and choose to offer love and light even to those who don’t seem to deserve it, we embody the essence of God’s unconditional love.
Often, we wait endlessly for others to treat us well before we extend kindness to them. But when we act first from this place, we open doors to more beautiful connections and relationships. We invite others to show more love, to forgive, to be kinder, ultimately transforming the world we inhabit. Through this process, we build trust, respect and stronger relationships. Even when we are hurt, angry or disappointed, we must pause and ask ourselves, “What would God do in this moment?” Therein lies the answer to using our hearts the way God intended.
The more love we offer, the more kindness we extend, the more respect we give, the stronger the ripple effect becomes in families, workplaces, friend groups and communities. Not only do we learn to treat others better, but also ourselves—for the empathy and consideration that flows through us is a direct reflection of how much we love ourselves enough to be a better person. When we choose the Golden Rule, we don’t just change others—we become who God created us to be.
