It is important how we treat people. Everyone who has ever been mistreated in any way knows this. Recently a song was dedicated to a young man who took his life. The reason he took his life was because he was being bullied. If he had been treated differently, would he still be alive? We’ll never know.

A sad part of life is that some people are bullied. When I was in high school two brothers were bullies. One of them would pick a fight with someone he knew he could defeat and after pelting this person for a while the other brother came in and did the same. They would go back and forth. What they did was atrocious. No one should ever be treated like that.

Many times in scripture we see how we are to treat one another. Jesus tells us in the sermon on the mount how to treat those who abuse you. In verses 38-42 He informs the multitude gathered not to take vengeance but rather turn the other cheek when slapped, when sued for your shirt, let him have your coat too, and if you are asked to go one mile go two.

This is not the natural response nor the response of the world. Usually we are quick to strike back instead of heeding the words of Jesus. I’ve been there and I just know that you have too.

We might say "they are good words to say, preacher, but impossible to live by." I love Jesus. I love Him even more when I see Him not only telling me what to do but also showing me.

Jesus was opposed by the religious leaders after He began His ministry. People called Him names, "a gluttonous man and a drunkard" (Matt. 11:19) but He did not call them names. When He was before the high priest, He was slapped, but He did not slap back. When he was on the cross some of the words he was saying were "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (John 19:34). This was said about the men who put Him on the cross. Jesus not only said these words but He showed us how to live them ourselves.

The Apostle Paul would say, "and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other just as God in Christ has forgiven you." (Eph. 4:32) This is the way we ought to treat one another. Are you practicing the words of Jesus and Paul? Are you doing this in your home? With friends? Enemies?