The power of kindness
In the Bible, Jesus gives a powerful commandment to His disciples in Matthew 7:12 (NKJV): “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” This teaching is commonly referred to as the Golden Rule. But why would Jesus emphasize such a command? I believe it relates to God’s desire for us to prioritize others over ourselves and how our actions and attitudes impact those around us. A clear example of this is found in the story of Joseph, especially in the early chapters of Genesis (37). Jacob had many children, but Joseph was his favorite, and the Bible tells us Jacob loved him more than the others. To show this, Jacob made Joseph a beautiful coat of many colors. Joseph wore it proudly, though it caused jealousy among his brothers. He also reported when his brothers failed to do their work in the fields. His actions seemed to highlight his position as the favored son, and this only deepened the resentment of his brothers. They became bitter, hateful, and eventually vengeful toward Joseph. This series of events shows how one person’s attitude and actions can negatively influence others, leading to a chain reaction of negative feelings. On the other hand, if we follow the wisdom of Matthew 7:12 and treat others with kindness and respect, we can create an environment of love rather than jealousy and hate. How do you treat others?
