The Answer to Almost Every Relationship Problem

Mark Twain once said, “The more I get to know people, the more I like my dog.” Can you relate? Do you know any difficult people? Be honest—Have you ever been the difficult person? That last question is not the easiest to answer, is it? If we are honest, we all have room to grow in our effort to cultivate healthy and God-honoring interactions with others. This is important because relationships impact nearly every area of our lives. Take a moment and think about that; for better or worse, pretty much every area of our lives has people connected to it! Right here in Matthew 7, we find instruction that, if followed, will bring relief to the friction you may be (or will be) feeling with others.

Matthew 7:12 is referred to as “The Golden Rule.” You were probably taught this as a child by someone in your life. It’s important to note that verse 12 is connected to verses 7-11. Those verses give the assurance that your heavenly Father will provide what you really need. When you can rest in that assurance, it gives you the freedom and ability to live by the Golden Rule. When you know that God will provide for your needs, you are much quicker to treat others without selfish motives. Imagine how that would help solve the strains in your relationships.

People who are completely trusting in God to provide what they need will approach resolving conflict without selfish motives. The other person isn’t being relied upon to provide what only God promises to provide. It makes room for the freedom to treat others the way you wish to be treated. It’s the answer to almost every relationship problem!

Reflective Questions

1. In what ways do you tend to look to others for what only God can provide?
2. Did you hear about the “Golden Rule” growing up? Did you realize it was a biblical principle? Why does it honor God to treat others the way you want to be treated?
3. In what ways can you put this principle into practice today?

Memory Verse

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 (NKJV)

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for meeting each and every one of my needs. I know that You will always provide for me. Help me to live my life reflecting that reality. Help me to live out the “Golden Rule.” Help me to treat others the way that I would want to be treated.

Related Scriptures

Luke 6:31; Romans 13:8–10; Mark 12:29–34; Galatians 5:13–14; Leviticus 19:18; Micah 6:8