“Do Unto Others as you would have them do unto you.”
– Matthew 7:12
Do Unto Others is a grassroots movement launched by Resurrection, a United Methodist Church in the Kansas City area, to encourage people to be intentional about treating one another with kindness, overcoming the polarization in our country through civility and respect.
Jesus taught that we should treat others as we want them to treat us – including those with whom we disagree. Known as The Golden Rule, a version of this teaching can be found in almost every religion in the world. This universal rule holds the power to bring people together again.
Make a Personal Commitment
Overcoming polarization begins with a personal commitment to live by the Golden Rule and be deliberate in our actions and interactions. As we vote and move forward after the election, this pledge is a good way to start.
I pledge to exercise my right to vote as a sacred act that reflects my values as a follower of Jesus. I will ask God to guide my heart and mind in choosing leaders who will work for the well-being of all people.
Regardless of how the election turns out, I will treat those who voted differently from me with kindness and curiosity. I will seek to understand their concerns and aspirations, and I will look for opportunities to work with people with whom I disagree.
Pray for our Country
As we approach the election, we invite you to reflect upon the Golden Rule join us in praying for our county.
A Prayer for Healing of Our Country
Gracious God, thank you for the blessing of living in a country where “liberty and justice for all” are core values, one where we have the privilege of electing our leaders.
Guide us to make wise decisions in the election and to choose leaders who will seek to be just, kind and humble.
Finally, help me to be part of the solution to polarization, and not part of the problem. Lead me to be kind and curious and to treat others as I want to be treated. Help me to love my neighbors.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Coping with Election Stress and Anxiety
This year’s political campaigns have left most of us exhausted, sad, and anxious. Many people, regardless of political affiliation, are afraid of what will happen if “the other side” wins.
Here are a few ways you might reduce your anxiousness.
- Spend time reading scripture and praying. Recognize that God is ultimately in control, not matter what happens and offers wisdom, hope and peace.
- Recognize that uncertainty is what is fueling your anxiety. Step back and assess if your fear is real or perceived. Focus on what you can control.
- Keep politics in perspective. Nothing is going to drastically change immediately after the election.
- Limit your screen time. Mute commercials, read instead of watching news, step away from social media.
- Surround yourself with what brings you joy. Explore nature, music, art, and sports.
- Experience the real world. Volunteer in your community, do acts of kindness for others, go for a walk, exercise, prepare and share a special meal, and spend time with family and loved ones.
If you are experiencing severe anxiety, you can contact caring professionals at Resurrection who can speak with you and help you process your feelings and develop a self-care plan.
Kindness Campaign FAQs
A limited number of Do Unto Other branded t-shirts are still available on a first-come, first-served basis for purchase at The Well Bookstore in Building B at the Leawood Location. The Well Bookstore is open for in-person shopping Tuesday – Thursday 9am-2pm and Sunday from 8:30am-12:45pm. You can also send an email to the.well@cor.org, and someone will contact you for phone orders.
You can view the Campaign for Kindness videos, television ads and other resources on the Resurrection YouTube Channel.
Downloadable resources for churches are available at campaignforkindness.com.
“You should treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you; this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
Showing Christian kindness at school can be a challenge, but it’s important because there can be much unkind teasing and even bullying at school. So, start by deciding not to initiate or join in unkind teasing or ridicule of others. Instead, look for something you can affirm or compliment, or if you see a classmate feeling sad or shut out, reach out to try to include them and be a friend. As the saying goes, “Catch them doing something right” and praise that.
“You should treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you; this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
Christian kindness at home grows from a willingness to think about the wishes and needs of the other people in the home. Rather than always insisting on watching your favorite TV show, playing your favorite video game, or even having your favorite meal, how can you be considerate of what others want? Helping with less pleasant home chores can also be a kind surprise that lightens someone else’s load.
“You should treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you; this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
The first key to showing kindness at work is to refuse to get drawn into a “dog eat dog” kind of competition. Do everything you can to show an attitude that says, “We all succeed or fail together.” Always focus on the ultimate purpose of any workplace, which is to satisfy customers, not to advance one worker at the expense of others. Do your work with excellence but seek to support others who are also working hard and to express appreciation for team members who have made a difference on your projects.
“You should treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you; this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
One of the best ways to show kindness to strangers is to cultivate habits that eliminate the feeling of being a stranger. Start with a smile. Introduce yourself and ask their name. Even if they initially act distant or even rude, do not reciprocate with rudeness or unkindness of your own. Remember what it feels like when you are the stranger in a situation. Do your best to bridge the distance between people, and not add any negative energy to the distance between you and a stranger.
Worship is live at each location, though Pastor Adam typically preaches live in Leawood with the sermons delivered to the other locations via video. No matter which location you attend, you’ll find friendly people who are ready for your visit.
“You should treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you; this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
Isn’t it ironic that so many of us talk to ourselves in ways and with language that we’d never think of using to a friend, a classmate or co-worker, or even to a stranger? God loves you and would never berate you even if you’ve missed an appointment, made a poor choice, lost some money, or misplaced your car or house keys. So don’t do that to yourself, either. The best way to learn from a mistake is to recognize what happened and identify one or more ways you could be less likely to repeat the mistake. One other key: resist comparing yourself to other people. Be yourself and learn to value what you bring to the lives of others.
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