How I Treat People Who Serve Me

In review of Luke 6:31 it says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (NIV).

Today’s verses is from the first part of Luke 6:31-36. In this Jesus tells me to do to others as I would like them to do to me. If I love only those who love me, why should I get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if I do good only to those who do good to me, why should I get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if I lend money only to those who can repay me, why should I get credit? Even sinners will lend to the other sinners for a full return. Jesus tells me to love my enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then my reward from heaven will be very great, and I will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for Jesus was kind to those who are both thankful and wicked. I must be compassionate, just as my Father is compassionate.

Jesus wasn't talking about having affection for enemies; he was talking about an act of the will. I can't "fall into" this kind of love, it takes conscious effort. Loving my enemies means acting in their best interests. I can pray for them, and I can think of ways to help them. Jesus loves the whole world, even though the world is in rebellion against God. Jesus asks me to follow his example by loving those around me including my enemies. I am to grant others, including my enemies the same respect and rights that I desire for myself.

One of the greatest tests of my character is how I treat people who are trying to serve me. Whether it’s a waitress, a waiter, a clerk, an employee, a secretary, my family, or my spouse, how I treat those who serve me tells me a great deal about me.

Jesus tells me, “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31 NIV). That may be the simplest yet most important character test in the Bible. The social psychologist Eric Hoffer once said, “Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength.” It takes no intelligence at all to be rude. The best place to practice this important character trait of respect is at home. More marriages are ruined by rudeness than anything else. Often I can be the most disrespectful to the people I care about the most. I know people who treat their families in ways they would never treat a stranger. Courtesy is just love in the little things. It’s showing respect for people by being kind even in the smallest areas of my life.

Bottom Line:

Treat others in the way I would want to be treated.

What this means to me:

I’m to treat and do for others in the way and manner I would want to be treated.

In summary, I am to do to others as I would like them to do to me. I am to love others, do good to them. It will mean acting in their best interests. Remember, rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength. Courtesy on my part is just love in the little things.

This morning Father, I ask for your wisdom in how I handle those around me. Help me to look out for their best interests and to treat them well. I ask for your continued wisdom in managing the work tasks in front of me and how I encourage and work with my team. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, amen!