Treatment of Others – Reflecting God's Love

How we treat people reveals how much we value those made in God's image. This article explores the Bible's golden rule, kindness even to our enemies, and the call to treat others as we would treat Christ Himself.

The Golden Rule

How we treat people shows the degree of our respect for those made in God's image. If we value them as God does, we are told to “Do to others as you would like them to do to you” (Lk 6:31). often referred to as the golden rule, it means putting yourself in their place.

We have ‘neighbours’ all around

Even though the act of goodwill shown by the Good Samaritan to another person in need was of considerable personal inconvenience and expense, Jesus said, “Go and do likewise” to those in need (Lk 10:37). In this parable we don't know if the injured man was a Jew. If he was, this would underscore the command “Love your neighbour as yourself”, as the Jews and Samaritans were from racially antagonistic backgrounds (Lk 10:27).

Kindness to Everyone – Even Enemies

The Bible instructs us not just to do good to those we like and who treat us well, but also to extend the same kindness and generosity to our enemies (Prov 25:21-22; Rom 12:9-21). The teaching says we overcome evil with good, not letting evil conquer us but conquering evil by doing good. We are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Mt 5:43-48; Lk 6:28). We are not to reciprocate evil for evil: repaying insult for insult, injury for injury or hostility for hostility belongs to our old nature, not to the Spirit of Christ. Rather than taking revenge, we are to bless those who mistreat us, do what is right in the sight of all, and leave justice with God, trusting Him to right every wrong (Rom 12:14,17,19-21; 1 Thess 5:15). By loving them and treating them with kindness and compassion, it has the potential to lead them to remorse, repentance, and salvation in Jesus Christ.

Our treatment of others is not to be dependent on their standing in society, or the prestige we will gain (Mt 6:1-4; Jas 1:27-2:8). We should not embarrass or be inconsiderate to others regardless of the treatment we have received, instead responding in love and blessing, so we can inherit a blessing (1 Pet 3:9).

As opportunities present themselves, “Do good to all people” (Gal 6:10). At all times we are to do the most long-term loving thing; this includes correction alongside compassion. “Being punished is not enjoyable while it is happening, yet afterwards we can see the good fruit produced by it” (Heb 12:7-13).

Always try to be kind – 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Treating Christ in How We Treat Others

The Bible says, whatever we do, it should be done as unto the Lord, understanding we will be judged and rewarded for what we have done (Rom 2:6, 14:12; 1 Cor 10:31; Eph 6:7-8; Rev 20:12-13).

As His representatives, even giving a cup of cold water to a thirsty person will have its reward, with Jesus saying, by responding to (or refusing to be involved in) the physical needs of those in ‘our world’, we are in effect treating Him this way (Mt 10:42, 25:31-46).

Jesus made this unmistakably personal in His teaching on the final judgement. To those on His right, He will say: ‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me’ – for ‘whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’. But to those on His left He will say: ‘Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me’ (Mt 25:31-46). How we treat the least is, in Jesus’ own words, how we treat Him.

How does the way we treat others reflect the way we treat Jesus?

It is the nature of God to bless people – as His children we should exhibit the same characteristics. Our love for God is visibly demonstrated in our “Loving others as much as ourselves” (Mk 12:31). The instruction of Jesus is to minister to those who are unable to repay the favours we do (Lk 14:12-14).

Do we minister to the needs of others with godly compassion? Real Christianity is practical: it is love in action, not just words or theory (Jas 2:14-26). Paul said he became all things to all people so he might win them to Christ (1 Cor 9:22).

In this world, there is growing ill will and even hatred (anti-Semitism) against the Jews. Christians should be standing up for this race, through whom our Saviour came, and for the rich Christian heritage we have received through it.

Reflection and Application

Do I treat everyone as made in God's image, regardless of how they treat me?
Am I willing to show kindness at personal cost, like the Good Samaritan?
Do I pray for those who mistreat me and overcome evil with good?
Do I serve others as unto the Lord, expecting my reward from Him?