One of the clearest marks of a follower of Jesus is how we treat other people. It is not our church attendance, our knowledge of Scripture, or the size of our ministry that convinces the world of Christ’s love. It is the way we treat the people around us, friends, strangers, and even enemies.
Jesus said,
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Love is not just a feeling. It is how we act toward others.
Treat People with Grace, Not Grudges
People will hurt you. That is not a possibility; it is a guarantee. But holding onto anger only poisons us. Scripture says,
“Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Forgiveness is not about how you feel. It is about a decision to cancel the debt. When someone wrongs you, they “owe you.” Forgiveness means releasing them from that debt and trusting God with justice. You may not feel warm toward them afterward, but you will be free from the weight of bitterness.
A helpful question to ask is: What does love require of me right now? Love does not always mean trust or reconciliation, but it always means refusing to hold the knife of unforgiveness at someone’s throat.
Treat People with Patience
Life is full of frustrating people. Some are slow to understand, quick to argue, or stuck in habits that drive us crazy. But the Bible reminds us,
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind.”
Patience is choosing to pause before reacting. It looks like biting your tongue instead of snapping back. It looks like taking a deep breath before sending that text. It looks like reminding yourself that God has been patient with me. I can be patient here, too.
One practical practice is to ask yourself, How would I want someone to treat me if I were on my worst day? Chances are, that is how you should treat the person in front of you.
Treat People with Compassion
Every person you meet is fighting battles you cannot see. A harsh word may push them deeper into despair, while a gentle word could be the spark of hope they need.
Jesus noticed the hurting, the overlooked, the forgotten. He stopped for blind beggars, touched lepers, and ate with sinners. If we are His followers, we must do the same.
Here is something practical: you cannot help everybody, but you can help somebody. Do for one person what you wish you could do for everyone. A note. A call. A meal. A listening ear. Sometimes the smallest act of compassion can be God’s lifeline to a weary soul.
Treat People with Humility
Much of our conflict with others stems from our desire to be first, to be right, and to be respected. But Christ showed us another way. He humbled Himself, washed His disciples’ feet, and told us to do likewise.
Humility means refusing to play the game of “who owes who.” It means serving without expecting recognition. It means choosing to see people not as obstacles but as treasures made in the image of God.
Ask the Bible, Luke 6:27–36
If you want to know how a believer is truly called to treat people, listen carefully to Jesus’ words in Luke 6:27–36. This passage is one of the most radical teachings ever given, and it lays out God’s heart in crystal clarity.
Love your enemies. This is not about warm feelings. It is a willful, sacrificial choice to seek their good.
Do good to those who hurt you. Do not just avoid retaliation. Actively bless them.
Bless and pray for those who abuse you. Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them,” even while being nailed to the cross. That same spirit should be in us.
Turn the other cheek and give freely. Lay down the “right to get even” and replace it with radical generosity.
Treat others as you want to be treated. Not as they deserve, not as they treated you, but as you would hope to be treated yourself.
Rise above common decency. Anybody can love those who love them. Jesus calls us higher.
Expect nothing in return. Love and give without strings attached, because that is exactly how God treats us.
Be merciful as your Father is merciful. We are called to reflect the family likeness of God.
This is not optional. It is the mark of God’s children.
Forgiveness Frees You
When you refuse to forgive, you chain yourself to the very offense you hate. Forgiveness cuts that chain. You are not excusing the wrong. You are releasing yourself from being controlled by it.
One practical way to step toward forgiveness is to say these words out loud, even through tears: “You do not owe me anymore.” That is what God said to you when He forgave you.
Living Out What Christ Lives In
The truth is, none of us can live this way in our own strength. To love enemies, to forgive endlessly, to bless those who curse us, this is not natural. But it is Christ’s life within us.
When you realize that, you stop asking, “How can I possibly love them?” and start saying, “Jesus, love them through me.” That is when His love flows where yours runs dry.
A Final Word
The world does not need more angry voices, more harsh judgment, or more cold indifference. What it desperately needs are men and women who will live out the love of Jesus in their everyday relationships.
You may not change the whole world, but you can change the world for the person right in front of you.
Treat them with grace.
Treat them with patience.
Treat them with compassion.
Treat them with humility.
Forgive them as Christ has forgiven you.
In short, treat them the way Jesus has treated you.