By Al Felder The Golden Rule sounds simple when we talk about it in general. Jesus said, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12). Most people agree that this is right. We want patience, mercy, fairness, respect, forgiveness, encouragement, and thoughtfulness. We want people to listen before judging, help when they can, correct without cruelty, and treat us with dignity, but the real test of the Golden Rule is not whether we agree with i

By Al Felder Conflict reveals the heart. It is easy to speak kindly when everyone agrees. It is easy to be patient when no one frustrates us. It is easy to sound spiritual when the conversation is calm, but when tension rises, feelings are hurt, someone misunderstands us, correction is needed, or we believe we have been wronged, the real condition of the heart begins to show. Jesus’ Golden Rule doesn't disappear in conflict. He said, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to

By Al Felder Compassion is easy to admire. Most people like the idea of being compassionate. We speak well of people who care. We appreciate tenderness when we are hurting. We value those who show up in difficult seasons, but biblical compassion is more than feeling sorry for someone. It is love that moves toward another person’s burden. Jesus did not merely notice suffering. He responded to it. He saw the weary, the grieving, the sick, the sinful, the hungry, the lonely, and