The Observer
Related Articles
In life, we never know who might be there to lend a hand when times get tough. Someone we see as powerless or inferior today could become a source of help or influence tomorrow. All too often, people, especially those in positions of authority, mistreat those beneath them, forgetting that the world is ever-changing and that how we treat others often returns to us. Today you may be the boss, but tomorrow’s circumstances could be entirely different.
There is a saying: “Treat your towel well, because the part you use on your buttocks today may wipe your face tomorrow.” This proverb reminds us that life is unpredictable. If we treat someone poorly now, that same disregard may one day be shown to us or to those we love.
This principle echoes what many know as the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It also aligns with the teaching of Jesus, who instructed his followers to “love your neighbor as I have loved you.” At its core, this is a call to empathy, to consider the sacrifices others have made for us and to treat everyone with the same care and respect we wish for ourselves.
Before taking action against someone, pause and ask: Would I be happy if this same action were directed at me? Before condemning or judging another, consider: If I were in their position, what choice would I hope to be offered?
This kind of reflection is often absent in difficult family dynamics, such as those involving stepparents and step-siblings. Some may feel entitled to mistreat those who are more vulnerable, without stopping to consider how they would feel if the tables were turned. Many cases of child abuse within families stem from this very failure, an inability to reflect on the future consequences of present cruelty.
On the other hand, there are countless examples of people who have experienced the lasting rewards of treating others as they would like to be treated. Their kindness has not only enriched the lives of others but has also come back to bless them in ways they never expected.
