The Golden Rule is as follows: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matt. 7:12). If we will just read our local newspapers or watch our local television news programs, then we can see a need to practice this principle in our treatment of others.
In learning how to treat our fellow man, divine wisdom teaches many things about human relations. We always need to base the manner that we treat our neighbors with compassion. However, through the temptation of Satan, humanity has chosen other means to deal with neighbors, resulting in uncompassionate condemnation of the righteous and commendation of the wicked.
Solomon wrote, “He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace” (Prov. 11:12). Proper human relationships towards our neighbors dictate that we will not despise others, but will hold our peace when necessary. We should not ever show contempt or despise those around us, but know the precious value of silence—something difficult for many of us (cf. James 1:19).
Again, Solomon wrote, “Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work” (Prov. 24:28-29). We should not possess the evil attitude of revenge. It is disturbing the number of children and teenagers that quickly develop this disposition. Jesus shows the true heart of his disciples (Matt. 5:39).
Even many Christians have a hard time understanding the principle of talking with others about problems rather than with someone else (Prov. 25:9-10), which finds its application in Matthew 18:15-20. Jesus said that we are to first “tell him his fault between thee and him alone.” Only after such action fails do we mention it further to others for reconciliatory purposes, and not for slanderous, gossiping purposes.
God has not made any creature with which He is not concerned (Matt. 6:26; 1 Cor. 9:9-10; Deut. 25:4). Therefore, we are to use this principle in supporting others and caring for our neighbors. Since God created the world, He is interested in everything that He has created—we are to respond in the same manner toward our neighbors. Jesus emphasized this when He gave the second greatest commandment: “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matt. 22:39). James commented, “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well” (James 2:8), which James quotes from Leviticus 19.
One does not have to be a licensed counselor to help people with their problems, especially in dealing with other people, if he will simply use the divine revelation God has provided in the Bible (James 3:17).