BY AARON GARTON
Going about our everyday lives, we are having constant interactions between ourselves and other people. Each of these interactions involves some form of communication, whether through the use of body language, words, or something else. However, communication through the use of words is one of the most important things to consider, and that is why we should be putting a lot of thought into our words before we speak, lest they come across wrong, or we hurt somebody.
Our actions are also extremely important. A person could say nice things to another person, or be a really nice friend, or whatever it may be, but their actions indicate their true intentions. If their actions are good, they are good.
The first, and probably the most important thing, is the golden rule; that is, treat others the way you would like to be treated. If our interactions with and our behaviour towards other people can be summed up into one sentence, this would be it. Place other people before yourself. Be mindful and respectful towards others, because you don’t know what they may be going through in life. Be observant of such things, and, as such, don’t do or say anything that might hurt them. Put yourself in their shoes, and think about how you would feel if you were them.
Before you say something, think about how what you say may affect another person, or, in other words: think before you speak. Depending on what you say, or how you say it, your words may be received in either a positive or negative way. If you are talking about something that is important that the other person feels strongly about, or if it’s something personal or emotional, think carefully about your choice of words. Saying the wrong thing could cause the other person to be upset, offended, or even annoyed with you. On the contrary, if your words are positive, they could have a really positive impact on the other person’s life. It could build up a friendship and it could even build trust between you and the other person.
When speaking to another person, be considerate. Everyone is different. You may be able to tell certain jokes with certain people and they won’t have a problem with it, while other people might. To one person, your words may offend them, whilst to another, they may not. Get to know the person and don’t judge someone before you really get to know them. There is usually a reason a person is the way they are, so don’t dislike a person just because of one small thing. Maybe they have flaws, but maybe you do too.
If ever you do something for another person, do it out of the kindness of your own heart, never expecting anything in return. Do it like you care, because you should. Just think about how much the other person would appreciate what you do for them. And, on top of that, think about how good it would make you feel knowing that you made someone else happy, and that they are appreciative of what you did for them.
Last thing to remember is to be real. Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you are not, just because you want to fit in, or impress other people. If you have to change yourself to fit an image that someone else will like so that you can be friends with them, then they are not worth being your friend if they don’t like the real you. Don’t worry about what other people may think of you. Be yourself and stand up for what you believe in, not becoming someone else just because other people want you to be a certain way.
Mark 12:30-31
“ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all our mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”