(*this is not mine*)
Here is a wonderful relationship principle: Treat others the way you want to be treated. We all want to be treated as someone special, someone loved, someone respected, or someone valued. How can you do this? Simple: Treat them the same way you want to be treated! Christ gave a perfect rule for establishing quality human relationships. "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." Matthew 7:12
Five Ways to Treat Others
Encourage Others - The happiest people in the world are those who have invested their lives in others. The unhappiest people are those who wonder how the world is going to make them happy. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Appreciate Others - William James said, "The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated." How can you do this? Try this: Within the first thirty seconds of conversation with someone, try to say something that shows you appreciate and affirm them. "I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3
Forgive Others - A forgiving spirit is the one basic, necessary ingredient for a solid relationship. Forgiveness frees us from guilt and allows us to interact positively with other people. "Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13
Listen to Others - It has been conjectured that since God gave us two ears and only one mouth, He must intend for us to listen twice as much as we talk! The fact is, if we follow the first two parts of this verse, the third part is automatic. When we are quick to listen and slow to speak - we are slow to become angry. "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19
Befriend others - True friendship is not based on changing conditions. There are people who will say, "I’ll be your friend if, or when, or until, or because. A friend who says, "I’ll love you if " or "I’ll love you when" is not a Biblical friend. "A friend loves at all times" Proverbs 17:17
All of us are going to see people either as adversaries or as assets. How you treat people is a great indicator as to what type of person you really are. Treat them well and you will receive great rewards.
Pastor Charles Kitner
AOG Pastor
