My husband asked me to help him with some emails. He is less computer proficient than I am and frequently asks me to help him with attachments, downloads, and uploads. I help him, but not always with the best attitude. That particular evening, I complained loudly about having to help. He turned the computer off without doing what he needed to do, and needless to say, wasn’t pleased with my attitude. About an hour later, I sat down and worked on my own emails for about two hours with a good attitude. It hit me the next day how unacceptable my behavior was.

Upon reflection, I have to admit, humbly, that I often have different standards for others than myself. I am less bothered by my papers on the kitchen counter than his, my clothes laid out in the bathroom than his, my shoes on the floor than his, my television on than his, my relatives visiting than his, and my passions than his.

The ideal attitude is the same tolerance for others as for myself. I treat others like I treat myself and how I want to be treated by them. If I asked my husband for help, I would want him to help me, if he possibly could, with a good attitude. If I allow myself to lay some things around the house, then I shouldn’t nag him every time he lays something around. If I watch TV in the family room, then I shouldn’t complain when he turns it on. If I expect him to spend time with my relatives, then I should spend time with his. If I have passions and interests, then I should allow him to pursue his passions and interests.

I do the same thing to my mom. I allow myself to show irritation when she gives me her opinion too many times or tries to “help” too much. I don’t want my daughters to respond to me that way, and I call their attention to it when they do, pointing out that it is unacceptable.
So before getting upset, complaining, or saying no, I have to think about what I would want done to me. Then, I need to treat other people the same.

By Karla Downing

Relationship Devotional Prayer

 
God,

Help me offer other people the same respect, tolerance, opportunities, and attitude I offer myself and want offered to me.

Relationship Devotional Challenge

• Identify something that bothers you about someone close to you.
• Determine how you would want to be treated in the same situation.
• Determine how you would treat yourself in the same situation.
• Adjust your attitude and action toward this person to match how you would want to be treated and how you would treat yourself.

Scripture Meditation

 
Matthew 7:12

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (NIV).

How much simpler and clearer could that be?