October 26, 2021: Kindness Is the Best Comeback

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you” (Matt. 7:12, NLT).

The golden rule. When I was younger, I interpreted this verse a bit differently than most. Whenever my sister was unkind to me, I would be mean to her in return. Then I would try to justify my behavior: “Treat others the way they treat you!”

The intended meaning of the golden rule, however, is to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. How would you want to be treated if the roles were reversed? I know I’d prefer to be treated with love and respect.

First Thessalonians 5:15 has a similar concept: “See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people” (NLT). When I read this verse, I automatically think about revenge. Have you ever been the victim of rude behavior and shot back something not so nice. How could the situation have ended differently? Lamentations 3:30 says to turn the other cheek and to accept the insults of an enemy. God wants us to love our enemies, even though can be difficult.

One time, David had to choose which battle to fight: one of vengeance or love. Saul, pursuing an enemy with his men, stepped into a cave to rest— the same cave David and his band inhabited. David could have easily slayed the oblivious Saul. Instead, David sliced a corner off of Saul’s robe.

David had the perfect opportunity to get revenge on Saul, yet, he did no such thing. Don’t strike back. Choose to fight with love, because kindness is the best comeback.

Lord, when we want to be mean to someone because they are mean to us, may we take the higher road. Amen.

Gabrielle Savoy is an eighth-grader at Richmond Academy in Virginia.