The Group Project Folder
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7:12 KJV
This is an original fictional illustration, not a historical report or an added Bible event.
Theo opened the shared project folder and saw that Nia's name was missing from the cover page. She had drawn the maps and checked the dates. The mistake would be easy to fix, but the project was almost ready to submit.
Theo imagined handing in his own work and watching somebody else receive the credit. He added Nia's name and told the group why. No long speech was needed. Her work belonged under her name.
Jesus commands us to treat others with the care we would want to receive. That applies to things as ordinary as a project folder. It can cost us a little attention or a few minutes. Sometimes it costs more. The command is still good when no one promises a favor in return. Theo could not control every choice his classmates made, but he could make sure this page told the truth.
Bring the truth into your day
The Lord's instruction encourages active kindness. Look for a useful way to treat someone as you would want to be treated. Give clear information to the new student. Handle borrowed things carefully. Listen when someone is trying to explain. This does not mean everyone has exactly the same preferences as you. Pay attention to the person's actual needs while offering the fairness and consideration you would hope to receive.
Keep the passage in context
Jesus summarizes a duty toward others that agrees with the law and the prophets. The command calls for active love, not a bargain in which kindness is given only when it is returned.
Read further: Matthew 7 in the King James Bible.