How should kids treat others? Jesus says to treat people the way you want to be treated, not the way they treated you. Maybe someone tagged you way too hard at recess, or your brother grabbed your favorite toy. You feel mad, and you want to get them back. But Jesus shows us a better way.
The Golden Rule
Jesus gave us one simple rule that works everywhere: at home, at school, and on the playground.
Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
People call this the Golden Rule, because it’s so valuable. Think about how you like to be treated. You want people to share with you, be kind to you, and forgive you. Jesus says to treat others that same way.
Don’t Pay Them Back
The hardest part of the Golden Rule is following it when someone has been mean to you. Our feelings say, “Get even!” But God says something different.
Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
You don’t have to wait for someone to be nice first. You can choose to be kind, because God has been kind to you.
What It Looks Like
Treating others right shows up in little ways every day:
- Share your snacks or toys.
- Encourage a classmate or sibling who is having a bad day.
- Pause before saying something mean.
- Forgive when someone says sorry.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
The Takeaway
Treat others the way you want to be treated, even when they don’t treat you well. This week, try the Mirror Rule: when you feel upset, pause and ask yourself, “How would I want to be treated right now?”
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