"Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you." — Matthew 7:12
Easy to find. Harder to follow.
A good friend of mine gave up “talking bad about others” for Lent. He admits it’s tough—more of a daily aspiration than a total cleanse. But his commitment made me think. I like to think I’m a kind person, yet we all catch ourselves talking about people that we don’t even know. Not maliciously, but casually - whether it’s about celebrities, politicians, or that stranger online.
If love and rationalization are two of humanity’s strongest drives, talking about others might be the third. It’s almost instinct. We gossip, we vent, we rationalize. Sometimes it feels harmless or even bonding—but is it really doing any good?
My friend’s Lenten challenge—no more talking about others—has stuck with me. It’s a reminder that the Golden Rule still holds up. Maybe it’s time we don’t just quote it but practice it with a little more honesty and intention.
Here’s to fewer empty words, and more thoughtful ones.