Love All Beings
Family Rules #5:1
Love all beings, for we all live under the same sky and are supported by the same earth.
We’re all in this together; and let’s make it work.
Your goal is to make others feel comfortable around you by focusing on them; and you can influence people’s perceptions of you by playing to their needs,
People like people who are interested in them and the world around them—not just in themselves.
Be Interested in Others and the World around You.
Value Inner Beauty, Not Outer Beauty
Family Rules #5:2
A person of good character is highly respected. Respect is not based on external appearances.
Beauty is not our highest aim.
Bible contains some vital advice about an inner beauty that is lasting.
The book of Esther is an account of a beauty contest to choose a new queen. The prophet Samuel reveals one of God’s guidelines for selecting a king: “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature ... for the Lord sees not as man sees, man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
In Proverbs we read, “Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn’t last, but a woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised.”
Don't Praise Yourself; Let Others Do It
Family Rules #5:3
A capable person will naturally have a good reputation. People are not won over by boasting or self-praise.
Let someone else praise and compliment you for what you have done. Do not do it yourself; that would be bragging or boasting in oneself.
Help Others
Family Rules #5:4
If we are good at something, we should be willing to use that ability to benefit others. When we feel others are more competent than us, we should not criticize or slander them for being so.
Don't Flatter the Rich
Family Rules #5:5
Neither flatter the rich
Show Respect to the Poor
Family Rules #5:6
nor despise the poor.
Don't Flatter the Rich or Plunder the Poor
We Can Help Poor People by Treating Them With Respect
New Friends Silver, Old Friends Gold
Family Rules #5:7
Neither ignore old friends
New Friends Silver, Old Friends Gold
Family Rules #5:8
nor take delight in only new ones.
Not to Interrupt When Someone Is in the Middle of Something
Family Rules #5:9
When others are busy, do not bother them.
When Talking Makes Things Worse
Family Rules #5:10
When they are troubled, do not make things worse by talking unnecessarily.
Avoid Talking Badly about Others
Family Rules #5:11
We should neither expose the shortcomings of others
What is a person's upbringing? Upbringing is in front of short people, regardless of height; in front of fat people, don't talk about figure; in front of dark skinned people, regardless of skin color; in front of people whose parents are divorced, don't talk about family; in front of the widowed, not in love; in front of elders, no kidding. Upbringing is self-restraint and respect for others.
People tend to see own good but gossip about others’ misdeeds.
Protect Privacy
Family Rules #5:12
nor disclose their private matters.
Avoid going through others’ things
Never go through someone’s private possessions; this includes mail and diaries or journals. A person keeps things private for a reason and looking through them is not only a display of poor manners, it betrays the owners’ trust, regardless the owner is a family member, a friend, or other people.
It is important for individuals to maintain their privacy and not disclose their private matters to others. This can include personal information such as financial details, medical history, and sensitive relationships. By keeping this information confidential, individuals can protect themselves from potential harm and maintain a sense of control over their lives. It is always best to think twice before sharing any personal information and to only do so with trusted individuals who have a need to know.
Praise Virtuous Actions
Family Rules #5:13
It is good to praise the virtuous actions of others. Knowing that they are being praised, people will be encouraged to do better.
Saying nice things to others is a great way to inspire them and make them believe that whatever they're doing is making a difference.
Avoid Gossip
Family Rules #5:14
Gossiping about the wrongdoings of others is in itself wrong. When we slander another excessively, we too will suffer harm and great misfortune.
It's always best to focus on positive and productive conversations rather than gossiping about others. Not only is it wrong to spread information without someone's consent, but it can also lead to harm and misfortune for all involved. Let's strive to be respectful and mindful of others' privacy and focus on building each other up instead.
Exposing a Common and Dangerous Sin:
“The sin of gossip is bearing bad news behind someone’s back out of a bad heart.”
Gossips hurt neighbors, divide friends, and damage reputations and relationships. The Bible labels gossips as untrustworthy and meddlesome (Proverbs 11:13; 20:19; 26:20; 1 Timothy 5:13) — and even as worthy of death (Romans 1:29, 32).
What is the difference between a rumour, gossip, chat, news, sharing information, discussing about people?
I think the difference is whether you would say the same thing if the person being talked about was there.
It depends on the purpose, intent, action, and source.
Nothing travels faster than light but gossip.
Have Friends Who Challenge You to Grow
Family Rules #5:15
By mutually encouraging one another to do good, both of us will improve our character.
True Friends Say Good Things Behind Your back and Bad Things in Front of You
Family Rules #5:16
By not advising one another to correct our respective faults, our characters will diminish.
Be a Giver
Family Rules #5:17
When giving and receiving, we should be clear in what we are doing. It is better to give more and receive less.
Give More Than You Take
Give more attention than you demand. Give more love than you crave. It’s in the giving we receive.
There are a few universal truths that, if you will accept, embrace, and employ them, your life will be easier. This is one of them: When you give, you receive!
Do you have a giver’s heart? Your world will expand with opportunities for growth on all levels as you genuinely seek to give to and improve the world around you.
Golden Rule: Do Unto Others as You Would Have Others Do Unto You
Family Rules #5:18
Before we ask others to do something, we should first ask ourselves if we would do it. If not, then we should not ask others to do it.
What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.
The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as one wants to be treated. Various expressions of this rule can be found in the tenets of most religions and creeds through the ages.
Choose to See the Good
Family Rules #5:19
We should repay the kindness of others; we should let go of our anger. Spend less time holding grudges and more time repaying kindness.
Repay Kindness and Let Go of Anger
Repaying kindness and letting go of anger are both important for our own well-being and for the well-being of those around us. Holding grudges only leads to negativity and resentment, while repaying kindness can bring joy and positivity to everyone involved. Let's make a conscious effort to prioritize kindness and forgiveness in our lives.
Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness
When someone you care about hurts you, you can hold on to anger and resentment — or embrace forgiveness and move forward.
Be Kind and Generous to People Who Serve You
Family Rules #5:20
When we interact with people who serve us, we should act in ways that inspire respect. And while being dignified and proper is important, it is also important to be kind and generous.
Inspirational Leadership Motivates Others to Action
Family Rules #5:21
If we force others to do as we wish, they will silently rebel. But if we convince them with sound reasoning, they will happily agree without complaining.