While the New Testament does not indicate that we have a right to expect others to treat us rightly, it has much to say about what others have a right to expect of us as Christians. That makes sense, doesn’t it? We have no choice in the attitudes and actions of others, but we do have a choice about our own attitudes and we have the Holy Spirit to empower us to put those attitudes into action. And in those actions we are following the example of Jesus.

Here are a few selected verses from the New Testament that show the breadth of the spectrum of our responsibilities as Christians:

1. As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. Luke 6:31
2. Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
3. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
4. Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:23
5. Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22
6. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Matthew 5:44
7. Resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:39
8. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. 1 John 2:15
9. In every thing give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
10. Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. 1 Peter 3:15