103: Be Nice

Our primary goal in life should be to honor God in all we do. Let's look at ways we can honor God by how we treat people.

1. Love Others as Yourself

Matthew 22:39 The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'

This is a real challenge, because we know how we inherently selfish. Plus, there are people easy to love, and people that are hard to love. Are we to love people that are hard to love, the same as we love ourselves?

Challenge yourself. Periodically throughout the day, as you come into contact with people, check your love for each person, and compare that to how Jesus loves them.

When you are not where you need to be, just ask God to help you love them as God and Jesus does, and to treat them that way.

2. Speak with Kindness and Encouragement

Prov 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Words have power. They can build up or tear down. God calls us to use our words to build others up.

Again, as you interact with people during the day, ask yourself, am I bringing healing to this person? Am I helping make their life better?

Ask, how can I honor God by how I talk to this person.

Ask, how can I bless this person by what I say to them.

3. Treat Others with Humility

Phil 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

First, we need to really see people around us, and what their needs and interests are. How can we look outt for their interests if we don't even see them? Focus on the person, and discover what their interests are. Once we see their interests, determine how you can help with those interests.

Also, we need to really enjoy when good things happen to people. People are always interested in having good things happen to them, so we should rejoice with the blessing they receive.

4. Forgive Others as God Has Forgiven You

Col 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

God is the perfect example of forgiveness, for there is no sin he cannot forgive.

Don't deceive yourself into thinking you have forgiven certain people, when you have not. This is maybe the most difficult thing ever asked of us. But it will honor God when we do. And we will be blessed as well.

5. Show Compassion to Those in Need

Prov 19:17 One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.

There are many people in need around us. It is difficult to properly help people in need, but pray about it, that God would show you who to help and how to help. I think this is something we rarely do, praying how you can help others. God will open doors.

6. Be Slow to Anger and Quick to Listen

James 1:19-20 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

Does anything show the character of God in your life more than being patient when we are in a situation that normally provokes anger?

I once heard a story of a Christian soldier who was regularly bullied by another soldier. The bully became so frustrated that one day he yelled in despair, "how can you still love me the way I treat you?!" The Christian's lack of anger (and his regular forgiveness) spoke volumes to the bully.

Be patient and free from anger when others would not. It will honor God.

7. Treat Even Your Enemies with Love

Luke 6:27-28 But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Loving those who are kind to us is easy, but Jesus calls us to love even our enemies.

Pray for those who hurt you.

Respond to negativity with love.

8. Do Good Without Expecting Anything in Return

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.

A wealthy person once told me how difficult it is to know who your friends are, because it's always about the money.

God blesses those who love without conditions, with no hidden agendas, who can love freely regardless of the status or situation of the person. Love without expecting anything in return. That will allow you to love your enemies.

9. Keep Your Promises and Be Honest

Prov 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight.

Being honest and keeping your word is essential for good relationships.

Always tell the truth, even when it's hard.

Keep your commitments and be dependable. It will honor God and bless people.

10. Reflect Christ's Love in Everything You Do

Col 3:17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Everything we do should reflect Christ, should honor God. Check what you have done yesterday, and ask yourself if it honored God.

It is such a fruitless effort and a waste to do things that won't honor God.

Which of these principles is the hardest for you to practice?

Make every interaction a reflection of Jesus. Bless people. Honor God. And try to do it a common practice as you go through the day.