Jesus taught us to live by the Golden Rule, “Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.” Imagine if every Christ follower truly lived that way — loving others in the same way they want to be loved. This series, “The Mix,” is about getting the mix right, because when the mix is off, it creates division, pain, and keeps us from living above the storms of life. God’s Spirit is calling us to something higher, a better and God-honoring way to live.

Life is like trail mix — a combination of sweet, salty, nutty, a blended variety. Along the trail of life, we encounter all kinds of people. Some are gracious, kind, and easy to love, while others are harsh, bitter, or difficult. The challenge is that too many people, even followers of Christ, are lacking the fruit of the Spirit. Love, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control often seem dried up. Yet the Golden Rule calls us to treat every person the way we want to be treated, regardless of who they are or how they behave toward us.

Living out the Golden Rule requires respect. Scripture calls us to “show respect for everyone,” because every person is created in God’s image and matters to Him. That includes the stranger, the coworker, the difficult neighbor, and even those who disagree with us online. Followers of Jesus are called to rise above the toxic patterns of our culture by speaking truth with kindness, showing dignity, and treating others with grace even in disagreement.

Love believes the best in others. It listens instead of interrupting, stays calm instead of escalating, and guards its words carefully. Harsh language, hateful posts, and divisive speech damage people and dishonor God. Respectful people choose to build others up rather than tear them down. They are courteous, patient, and thoughtful toward everyone — servers, clerks, coworkers, family members, and strangers alike. They remain open-minded, slow to jump to conclusions, and careful to align their opinions and actions with God’s truth and accurate information.

If we are going to get the mix right, we must take responsibility for our relationships. When we are wrong, we apologize, seek peace, and work toward reconciliation. Jesus placed such a high value on relationships that He said we should leave worship to make things right with someone who has a grudge against us. Disrespect fractures families, churches, communities, and nations, but the Golden Rule has the power to heal and transform. Every uncomfortable area that the Golden Rule exposes is likely an area God wants us to grow, because all people matter to God, and they should matter enough for us to work hard at getting the mix right.

Scriptures— Matthew 7:12 (MSG); 1 Peter 2:17 (LB); Matthew 5:22 (NIV); 1 Corinthians 13:7 (GNT); Proverbs 15:1 (NIV); Ephesians 4:29 (NIV); Matthew 5:23-24 (ERV)

Verses— “Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.” (Mt 7:12) Show respect for everyone. Love Christians everywhere. Fear God and honor the government. (1 Pt 2:17)

Questions— What kinds of people are hardest for you to show love, patience, and respect toward? Why do you think that is? How would your relationships change if you consistently asked, “How would I want to be treated?” before responding to others? Why do you think respectful disagreement has become so difficult in today’s culture? How can followers of Christ model something different? Are there habits or responses you feel God may be calling you to change?

Prayer— Lord, help me get the mix right. Fill me with love, patience, kindness, and respect for every person I meet. Teach me to live out the Golden Rule through my words, actions, and attitudes so I may honor You and reflect Your heart to others. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.