“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” Luke 6:31 ESV
Do Unto Others
My brother used to work for a children’s theatre. The company sends out teams of two people into public schools all over the U.S. and Canada. Within a week’s time, they hold auditions, cast the show, have their rehearsals, and then perform plays of classic fairy tales. It’s really an incredible program.
It was the day before opening night, and one of the moms gave her child’s cast mate a ride home. As he got out of the car, she said, “I hope you break a leg tomorrow!” Startled, he turned back and said, “I hope you get a flat tire on the way home!”
This happened over twenty years ago, and that story still makes me laugh! Obviously, the little boy wasn’t familiar with the saying, and responded in the only way he knew how. Oftentimes, “doing unto others” is seen as revenge. I think we can confuse “doing unto others” as being “an eye for an eye,” especially now.
Our culture has become one where people are so easily offended. I see it all the time on social media: someone posts a statement, someone else doesn’t like the statement, and soon insults are hurled back and forth. Naturally, it’s no fun to see things that are perceived to be insulting, but is responding in offense the answer?
There is one key word in the above Scripture that we seem to miss: wish. “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” Only a few days ago, I received an email that was very disrespectful. As I finished reading it, I was seething in anger. A scathing response came to mind, and I went as far as hitting “reply.” Thankfully, I listened to the Lord telling me not to answer yet. It was the end of the day, so I made myself wait. I went home and prayed for perspective. I asked the Lord to show me how to handle it. How did I wish the matter had been handled?
I’m so glad I was obedient. (Oh, the times I’m not!) I went through the proper channels, and the matter was soon resolved. Had I responded in the flesh, things would look very different now. I’m so glad I’m not wishing I had acted the right way.
“Father, thank You for Your guidance. Help us to treat one another as we wish to be treated, and may we do so as unto You, and not because of what we may gain from it. In Jesus’ precious Name, Amen.”
I’ve had your experience but with different circumstances. The person who offended me is not a Christian. Thankfully, the Lord led me to pause and think or pause and hold my tongue (I no longer remember which it was). At any rate, we are still friends. For both you and me, it was the Lord’s leading that made the difference!
Just like you, I was initially mad and wanted to respond in kind. But Jesus led us and His way is always more excellent.