The Bible has a lot to say about how we should treat other people. Here is an overview of some of the major Biblical principles for how we should treat others:
Love Your Neighbor
One of the most famous teachings of Jesus is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). He says that this commandment sums up all of the Old Testament law and prophets. Loving your neighbor means caring for those around you, wanting the best for them, and treating them with kindness and respect. It applies not just to the people who live near you but to everyone you interact with.
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8)
Do Unto Others What You Would Have Them Do Unto You
This teaching is commonly known as “the golden rule.” Jesus taught, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12). If you want to be treated kindly, treat others kindly. If you desire forgiveness, forgive others. Think about how you hope and expect to be treated by others, and then treat them that way.
See Every Person as Made in God’s Image
The Bible teaches that all human beings are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Therefore, every person has value and deserves respect, regardless of gender, race, nationality, age, socioeconomic status, disabilities, etc. When we mistreat others, we are mistreating someone who is made to reflect God’s image.
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” (James 3:9-10)
Be Humble, Kind and Patient
We are called to be humble and consider others above ourselves (Philippians 2:3). Kindness should characterize our speech (Colossians 4:6). Love is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4). This means making an effort to be gracious, gentle, and longsuffering toward others, not thinking ourselves superior.
Speak with Truth and Love
When interacting with others, we should aim to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). This means balancing honesty and compassion. It means thinking carefully about both what we say and how we say it. We should not sacrifice truth for the sake of artificial kindness, but we must speak truth gently and respectfully.
Bear with One Another
Because we are all flawed human beings, we need patience with one another’s faults and limitations. “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13). As Christ has been patient and merciful toward our shortcomings, we must extend grace to others.
Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, and Slow to Get Angry
We should be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). Often our interactions go wrong because we are quick to make assumptions, insert our own opinions, and get offended. If we are instead swift to hear others out and slow to reply, conversations will go better.
Do Not Judge Others
Jesus commanded us not to judge others (Matthew 7:1-5). We tend to make snap judgments about people, stereotyping them based on limited interactions and knowledge. But only God fully knows someone’s heart and what they’ve gone through. We are called to assess people by their spiritual fruit, not appearances.
Be Willing to Associate with People Looked Down Upon by Society
Jesus was a friend of sinners and outcasts. He taught that we should love our enemies and pray for those who mistreat us (Luke 6:27-28). The apostle Paul said he had “become all things to all people” to share the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:22). As Christ’s representatives, we should be willing to associate with and serve those considered “unimportant” and be loving toward those hostile toward us.
Forgive Others
We all need forgiveness from God and others. Jesus taught that we should forgive as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiveness may not mean restoring trust immediately, but we should have a heart willing to forgive those who have wronged us when they are repentant. Holding grudges and refusing to forgive only breeds more bitterness and pain.
Serve One Another
As Christians, we are called to serve others in love, following Christ’s example of servant leadership (Mark 10:45). “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others” (1 Peter 4:10). We don’t serve others to gain influence or because we expect something in return. We serve because Christ served us and we desire to honor Him and meet others’ needs.
Honor the Elderly
The Bible instructs us to show honor and respect to older people. “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly” (Leviticus 19:32). Caring for seniors should be a priority. We can bless them with our time, help meet their needs, and draw upon their wisdom.
Love and Care for Children
Children are some of the most vulnerable members of society. Jesus exemplified love for children. The Bible calls us to gently instruct children, discipline them, and bring them up to know the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). We should make every effort to protect children from harm and ensure their needs are met.
Love Your Enemies
Jesus said we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). This applies both to personal relationships and how we treat people of opposing belief systems or nationalities. While abhorring immoral or hostile actions, we should show care and concern for all human beings, even those strongly opposed to us.
Submit to Legitimate Authority
The Bible tells Christians to submit to governing authorities unless they directly contradict God’s commands (Romans 13:1-7). We may work to reform unjust institutions, but with respect for offices of authority. Rebellion and lawbreaking reflect poorly on the gospel. As much as possible, we should live at peace with others.
Be Generous
Scripture encourages us to be generous with our time, talents, and treasures. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord” (Proverbs 19:17). When we use our gifts to bless others, we honor God. We should look for opportunities to give to those in need and care for the poor.
Live in Harmony
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy” (Hebrews 12:14). We are called to pursue peaceable relationships with others as much as it is possible for us. Division and strife should have no place among Christians. We must seek reconciliation and forgiveness to maintain harmonious relationships.
Tell the Truth
Honesty and integrity should characterize believers. “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25). Half-truths and deceitfulness violate biblical principles for how to treat people. We should be known for speaking truthfully and being trustworthy.
Be Sincere and Without Pretension
Scripture tells us to love without hypocrisy (Romans 12:9). Putting on a show or a fake persona can undermine relationships. We should interact with openness and sincerity. What people see in your behavior should match who you are at the heart level. Authenticity honors God.
Encourage One Another
The Bible says “encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). We all face difficulties and need hope. Taking time to notice people, listen to them, cheer them on, and comfort them when they struggle makes a big impact. Offering encouragement strengthens community.
Set a Good Example
Our actions should back up our words. Paul wrote: “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). How we live speaks volumes. Sincerely modeling Christian virtues like joy, peace, and kindness can inspire others more than sermons.
Value Each Person as an Individual
Every human being has intrinsic worth because they are made in God’s image. We should take time to appreciate people’s uniqueness. Avoid comparing people or valuing some members of society as less important. Recognize and celebrate the diversity of gifts and abilities God has given.
Be Fair and Just
The Bible condemns unjust scales and partiality (Proverbs 11:1). Followers of Jesus should deal fairly with people and judge rightly. This means not playing favorites, ensuring justice for all demographics, and standing up for those who can’t defend themselves against oppression or discrimination.
Value Reconciliation Over Retaliation
Scripture says: “Do not say, ‘I’ll do to them as they have done to me.'” (Proverbs 24:29). When wronged, our instinct is to strike back and seek vengeance. However, Christ calls us to a higher path of forgiveness, mercy, and working through differences in a peaceful manner. Reconciliation should be the goal.
Show Hospitality
The Bible encourages showing hospitality to strangers and blessing them however you can. “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9). Demonstrating generosity and welcoming people into your home or community reflects God’s inclusive kingdom. Breaking bread builds relationships.
Sympathize with Others
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). We are called to show empathy and compassion. Rejoicing with people magnifies their joy. Listening to and praying for those going through hard times lightens their burden. Entering into others’ experiences ministers comfort.
Bless Those Who Persecute You
It is easy to resent those who harm or annoy us. However, Jesus commanded: “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28). This displays radical grace and surpasses expectations. Simple acts like speaking well of enemies and bringing meals to hostile neighbors exemplifies Christlike love.
Practice Loyalty and Faithfulness
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17). Being faithful to others in their ups and downs shows godly character. Loyalty means standing up for people when it would be easier to abandon them. Keeping our word also displays faithfulness and integrity.
Be Wise in How You Treat People
Colossians 4:5-6 says “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace.” We should treat unbelievers with sensitivity and grace. Our interactions with all people should be grounded in biblical principles, tempered by wisdom, and aimed at showing Christ’s love.
See People’s Needs and Help Them
Jesus exemplified noticing people’s needs and ministering accordingly. We should develop a holy imagination for how to bless and serve others. Meeting felt needs often opens the door to meeting spiritual needs. As God leads, find ways to alleviate people’s pain and make their lives more whole.
Aim for Peace with All People
Paul wrote, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18). Though we cannot control others’ responses, we should do all we reasonably can to pursue harmonious relationships. Holding grudges only breeds strife. Extending and receiving forgiveness can cultivate peace.
Value People Over Tasks
In our efficiency-oriented society, we can prioritize accomplishing tasks over investing in people. But Scripture teaches that loving God and loving people override other pursuits. No matter how busy we get, we must still make time for building relationships. People matter to God.
Be Accepting of People’s Differences
The church comprises believers from every nation and background. God values diversity. While embracing biblical truth, we should aim to unite, not divide, over secondary doctrinal issues or personal preferences. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you” (Romans 15:7).
Esteem Others as Better Than Yourself
Scripture instructs: “In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4). This counteracts our natural human pride and tendency to promote ourselves. It also reflects how Christ humbled himself to serve us.
In summary, the Bible provides abundant guidance for how we should treat other people. Central principles include: loving our neighbor, pursuing peace, showing mercy, honoring all people as image-bearers of God, speaking truthfully with grace, serving those in need, forgiving others, and conducting ourselves with humility, kindness, and compassion. Living by these biblical values blesses our relationships and brings glory to God.
