How do You Want to be Treated?

Everyone knows what Jesus said about how we should treat others: “As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.” Sometimes this is called “the Golden Rule,” and even people who don’t believe in God think this is a good rule to live by. Of course, since we believe in God and in Jesus, we know it’s the rule to live by.

But who are the “men” that Jesus was talking about? It’s not only grown-up boys! He meant everyone, and that includes your little brother and your big sister.

Siblings sometimes don’t get along very well; in fact, sometimes they drive each other crazy. They fight, they don’t share, they try to get each other in trouble. Sometimes they are glad when something bad happens to the other one. Does this sound like the way Jesus wanted us to be? It doesn’t sound like it to me.

A younger brother or sister can be a nuisance, wanting to butt in on everything. An older brother or sister can be a bully, always wanting his or her way. In both cases, most of the trouble comes from plain old selfishness. Jesus asks us to think about what we would like, and then do that for the other person. Would you like to be invited into a game? If you would like to be invited in, then you should invite your brother. Would you like to be left alone sometimes? Then you should leave your sister alone when she asks you to. Do you hate being made fun of? Then you shouldn’t make fun of your brother or sister.

There are lots more examples, but I think you get the idea. Jesus didn’t say it would be easy to act this way, but he did say it is right. It’s very important that we practice treating our family members the way we would like to be treated, even though it can be hard. If we can’t be kind and thoughtful of the people closest to us, how are we going to do with others?

There’s an even more important question to think about. Whenever you are mean or selfish, you aren’t obeying Jesus. If you refuse to follow him, will he want to share his kingdom with you? How you treat those around you, including your brother or sister, really is important!

Forgive

What do you do when someone hurts you, or calls you names? When your friend doesn’t invite you to a party? When someone lies to you, or spreads stories about you?

Jesus tells us to forgive people when they do wrong to us. He said, “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

There are a number of things Jesus commands us that are not easy, and forgiving is one of the hardest. We want to hit back, or get even somehow. Especially if someone has deliberately done something wrong, we don’t think they should get away with it. But there is an important reason we must forgive, even when we don’t feel like it. Jesus said it very clearly: “If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

You may be right that someone has done wrong to you, but you know that you have done wrong things too. Do you want God to forgive you? I’m sure you do. It’s easier for us to be sympathetic when we remember how many mistakes we make ourselves.

There are times, though, that we can’t feel sympathetic at all. When someone has been deliberately cruel, we want to get revenge. The best thing we can do then is remember that God will not let wicked people get away with being wicked forever. God has said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” We are much better off to let God handle it. If we leave it to Him, we save ourselves all the worry and frustration that can eat us up. We also keep ourselves from doing something just as bad as the other person did–or worse. We usually want to hit back harder, not just to get even.

People who don’t know the true God, or don’t trust Him, sometimes make themselves miserable worrying about the wrong things other people do. We are much better off to listen to Jesus, and forgive. Our lives will be happier, and who knows? Our example of forgiveness might help someone else learn about God’s forgiveness. You might save someone’s life!

Think First

 

“Go ahead, Do it! I dare you!”

Kids have said that to you, right? What do they want you to do when they dare you? Usually something you know you’re not supposed to do, or something dangerous.

But there are times when kids will dare you to do something, and it doesn’t look like anything wrong. Or they’ll invite you to do something that looks okay, but they act like they’re getting away with it. When that happens, you better stop and think.

Jesus told his disciples, “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” You know what it means to be innocent — it means you haven’t done anything wrong. That’s what we all want to be, if we’re following Jesus. But what does it mean to be wise as serpents? A serpent is a symbol of sin.

I think Jesus was telling us to be good at recognizing evil. Recognizing wrong isn’t hard, if we just take the time to think before we get involved. What is it your friends want you to do? Could it hurt someone, or damage something? Is the object to scare someone, or embarrass them? Would you be ashamed if Mom or Dad knew you were doing it?

If you refuse to go along with something that you don’t think is right, kids may call you names. They may tell everyone you are chicken. People who are weak may let those taunts force them into doing wrong. The real “chickens” are the ones who are afraid of being called names. But strong people think about what they are doing, recognize evil, and won’t have anything to do with it.