How to Treat Others

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” Ephesians 4:2

There are approximately 7.8 billion people on the earth at any given time. Chances are you are going to bump into each other now and then. Human nature says, “I need to look out for number one.” This is what science calls primal instinct. 

If you don’t believe that primal instinct is a real thing, go sit in the church nursery for a few Sundays. Toddlers are rarely interested in the good of their fellow man; and they will cry, kick and bite to prove it. It may take some of us longer than others, but fortunately we can learn how to treat others with kindness and respect. 

As children of God, we are to always be humble. One who is humble considers the importance of others first. This is not to esteem oneself low, but rather to esteem others highly, to lift them up. We are to be gentle and patient with each other and make allowances for each other’s faults. 

When I was in junior high, my best friend and I had a motto: “A friend is someone who knows everything about you and likes you anyway.” We made allowances for each other’s faults for the sake of friendship. This is how we are to treat our 7.8 billion fellow human beings. How can we do this? God’s love will make sure we are up for the task.