The Golden Result

We all know the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

But do you know the Golden Result? It’s a direct corollary to the Golden Rule:

“Other people will usually treat you the way you treat them.”

Not always, but usually. Because that’s how God made us.

Here is a short movie clip that illustrates this principle beautifully, while also providing a mysterious subplot and a totally unexpected ending (if the video screen does not appear below,  click here).

This is relational wisdom 101. Blame others and they will usually blame you. Admit where you’ve been wrong, and you’ll be surprised how often others do the same.

Or to put it in RW terms … take a moment to practice self-awareness by asking yourself, “How do I want to be treated?” Then engage others by treating them exactly the same way.

This wisdom is sometimes found in a fortune cookie, but it can be traced to a far more dependable source:

“[Jesus] opened his mouth and taught them, saying … ‘Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets’” (Matt. 5:2, Matt. 7:12).

– Ken Sande

Reflection Questions

  • When is the last time you personally saw the Golden Result in action? Did it produce a negative or positive result?
  • Is there a situation in your life right now where this principle might improve a relationship? What have you got to lose?

Permission to distribute: Please feel free to download, print, or electronically share this message in its entirety for non-commercial purposes with as many people as you like. If you wish to adapt the questions to better suit your group, please include a parenthetical note (Questions adapted with permission of RW360) and send a copy to mail@rw360.org.

© 2017 Ken Sande

Would you like to receive future posts like this? Subscribe now

Share Button
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Topics
Aging & Illness Body Language Brain/Neurology Breathe Grace Children Conciliation Confession Conflict & Peacemaking Emotion Empathy & Compassion Encouragement Family Forgiveness God-awareness God-engaging Gospel GPS/Guidance Acrostic Habits Hijacking Humility International Kindness Leadership Marriage Movies Other-awareness Other-engaging Parenting Pastoral Ministry PAUSE Negotiation Politics Pride READ Acrostic Reconciliation Reports RW Training Self-awareness Self-engagement SERVE Acrostic Smile SOG Acrostic Story Teens Weakness Workplace

RW Blog

Three Values that Improve Every Relationship

I’ve hired many people … and fired only a few. My best co-workers thrived because of three key character qualities. The disappointing ones struggled because they lacked the very same qualities. I’ve noticed an identical dynamic in friendships, marriages and...

Spanglish

Today’s movie clip is one of my favorites. It illustrates several key relational skills, including empathy, self-control, and the use of perceptive questions rather than forceful arguments. The clip is taken from the movie, Spanglish. Its central character, Flor, is a...

The Golden Result

We all know the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” But do you know the Golden Result? “Other people will usually treat you the way you treat them.” Not always, but usually. Because that’s how our brains are wired. Here is a short movie clip...