Jesus summarizes these basic principles in the Golden Rule: “As you wish that others would do to you, do so to them” (Luke 6:31 cf. Matthew 7:12). Ask the questions, “How would I want to be treated in this situation? What helps me to respond well?” For example, do I want my teachers …
- to treat me with dignity and respect as one made in God’s image and valued by Him? Then, I’ll “do so to them.”
- to hear and appreciate what I do know? Then, I’ll “do so to them.” The best Christian still has much to learn and should be humble enough to benefit from the gems of truth others have picked up along the way.
- to look beyond my fallen condition to what God plans for me, to see my potential for good? Then, I’ll “do so to them.”
- to wrongfully attack my motives, accusing me of thoughts I don’t have? Then I’ll not pretend to know the hidden motives of others. Here is a matter in which we cannot imitate the Lord. He alone knows inner thoughts and speaks directly to them (Luke 5:22; 6:8; 11:17; 1 Corinthians 2:11). Likewise, God inspires His Bible writers to expose evil hearts. We are not God, nor are we inspired. Recognizing our limits, we try to give the benefit of the doubt, to judge with grace, for “with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38).
- to use me to prove their superior knowledge? Then, I’ll not feed such arrogance, knowing that “‘knowledge’ puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1 cf. 1 Corinthians 13:2).
- to preach at me, but not practice what they claim to represent? Then I’ll combine evangelism with healthy attitudes and helpful service, like Jesus who “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38 cf. Matthew 23:3).
- to manipulate and pressure me, adding another point to their evangelistic scoreboard, whether for prestige or for pay? Then, I’ll not treat them as statistics to promote myself.
- to rebuke me? Yes, if that is what will break through my denial and resistance. But let me be corrected by a true, wise and loving heart, based on the Lord’s clear word (Psalm 141:5; Galatians 6:1).