As humans, our default setting isn’t exactly selflessness. We often judge ourselves by our intentions, but judge others by their actions. We can be quick to accuse without first looking in the mirror.

But Jesus calls us to live differently:

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”

Matthew 7:12 NLT

Often referred to as the “golden rule,” it’s a brilliant litmus test for discerning how to respond to people in the face of hardship, uncertainty, and pain.

Here are some ways we can apply this verse to our daily lives:

WHEN SOMEONE HURTS YOU…

Think: Have you ever hurt someone, either accidentally or intentionally? And when the mistake was made or realized, did you want to be screamed at and given a harsh consequence, or did you long for grace and a second chance?

To the extent that we forgive, we are forgiven. So what if, today, we give others the same grace, compassion, and mercy that we’d like to receive?

WHEN SOMEONE IS STRUGGLING...

When you personally experience hardships, you might seek counsel from a pastor or mentor, but you probably also want a friend who will listen and help you process. You want someone to come alongside you who can handle your honest thoughts, and help you navigate the hurt in this world.

Just as we need people to encourage us, we are also called to be that source of support to others. So today, consider what you can do to point people to God’s love and truth.

WHEN SOMEONE HAS ANNOYED YOU…

People can be irritating at times. But if you’re ever considered an annoyance by somebody else, would you rather that person talk bad about you, or have patience with you? We are all works in progress and are all called to show mercy and grace.

So this week, when you’re tempted to lash out at someone requiring a little “extra” of you, or dismiss someone who’s getting on your last nerve, consider asking yourself: If I were them, what would I want?

If we want to live like Jesus, we need to do what He asks of us. And Jesus explained a key mindset in following Him—to treat others how you want to be treated.

Storage Almost Full. If you’ve seen that warning, you’re not alone.

Nearly half of all phone users hit that wall every single year. And one in 10? They see it every day. Before you delete your favorite memories or hand Apple or Google another $3 a month…

Your phone is stuffed with junk you never asked for.

Now, let me walk you through five steps to take back your space.

📸 Delete duplicate photos (10-20 GB)

Your phone saves multiple copies of every photo you edit. Burst mode photos stack up. Screenshots linger.

iPhone: Open Photos > Collections > scroll down to Utilities and tap Duplicates. Your phone already found them for you. Tap Merge, then Merge items. Most people find thousands of duplicates hiding in there. That’s 10-20 GB back, easy.

Android: Use Files by Google. Tap the Menu (three lines) > Clean > Duplicate files. Select what you want to delete, then Move to Trash. Done.

🗑️ Clear app caches (5-15 GB)

Apps store temporary files that clog your phone. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok can each free 500 MB to 3 GB.

iPhone: Delete and reinstall apps you use daily. Your login stays saved, cache is gone.

Android: Go to Settings > Apps > [App name] > Storage > Clear cache.

💬 Delete old messages (3-10 GB)

Your text messages store years of photos and videos.

iPhone: Settings > Apps > Messages > Keep Messages > Change to 1 Year. Also: Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Messages > Review Large Attachments. Delete old videos.

Android: Google Messages doesn’t have an auto-delete setting. But if your phone uses the Samsung Messages app, tap the three dots for Settings > More settings > toggle on Delete old messages.

📂 Clear downloads (5-10 GB)

iPhone: Files app > Browse > Downloads folder. Delete everything you don’t need. Then Settings > Apps > Safari > scroll down to Clear History and Website Data.

Android: Open Files by Google > Menu (three lines) > Clean > Select files. Delete old PDFs and videos.

📱 Offload unused apps (10-20 GB)

iPhone: Settings > Apps > App Store > toggle on Offload Unused Apps. Your phone auto-deletes apps you don’t use but keeps the data.

Android: Settings > Apps > three dots or filter/sort icon > sort by Last used. Uninstall anything you haven’t opened in months.

Total recovered: 30-75 GB in 30 minutes. Your phone will feel brand new. Do this every three months, and you’ll never run out of space.

Phew, that was a lot. But give yourself a pat on the back. You did it!

• Anyone can find your home address on a free people search site in seconds. Then Zillow hands them a blueprint of every room, entry point and camera angle.
• Home invasions targeting everyday people are surging. Physical attacks on homeowners nearly doubled last year.

The 10-minute lockdown: Remove your photos from Zillow, Redfin and Realtor. Blur your house on Google Street View.

🔒 Take it down in 10 minutes

These steps can look a little different depending on your device, app version or browser. If it’s not exact, poke around. The option is there.

Zillow: Sign in at zillow.com. Click your profile icon > Your Home. Search your address, claim it, then go to Edit Facts and hide or delete the photos. Hit Save. Redfin: Sign in at redfin.com. Go to Owner Dashboard. Select your home > Edit Photos > Hide listing photos > Save. Realtor: Go to realtor.com/myhome. Claim your home, then select it under My Home > Remove Photos > Yes, Remove All Photos. Google Street View: Open Google Maps on a computer. Search your address, drop into Street View, then click “Report a problem” (bottom right). Position the red box over your home. Under Request blurring, select “My home.” Submit. FYI, once it’s blurred, it’s permanent.

Pro tip: Ask your old listing agent to pull photos from the MLS. Once they’re gone from MLS, the feeder sites eventually follow.

If you’re not selling, there’s zero reason for the internet to have a virtual tour of your home. Take it down today.

I guess you could say Zillow gives everyone an open house. Problem is, you never sent the invitations.

• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic clove
• 1 teaspoon salt

1. Mix all ingredients.
2. Serve 1 tablespoon of herb mix with 1 tablespoon olive oil with bread for dipping.

It seems there’s always something to worry about: natural disasters, current (and potential) wars, shaky finances, relational brokenness, unmet expectations, political/cultural/racial divisions, senseless violence, our kids, our jobs, our health, and more—much more. But many of the things we fear are largely out of our control.

We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can choose our response.

You can constantly be worried, negative, anxious, fearful, critical, and bitter. Or, you can be known for seeing the good in people, choosing joy, offering encouragement, looking for God’s fingerprints, and always finding something to be grateful for. In either case, the cycle feeds itself.

Like hummingbirds are attracted to sweet things while vultures scour the earth for dead things, we will always find what we are looking for. Why? Because darkness and light both exist. Good and evil are everyday realities. And we must decide who we’ll trust, and how we’ll spend our lives.

There are plenty of scary things happening in the world, but—because of Jesus—there is always good.

Even on our darkest days, Jesus is the light of the world. He’s already carrying the weight of the world on His shoulders, which means we don’t have to. He has already made a way where there was no way, which means we can follow the path He has blazed. The Holy Spirit is already compelling us and leading us and teaching us and comforting us, which means we’re not alone.

The hope we have in Christ isn’t just wishful thinking or positive vibes. It’s hope that’s based on truth—on facts and faith.

So what can we do? The Bible says:

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”

Proverbs 12:25 NIV

We can fight anxiousness with hope.

We can ward off worry with truth-filled encouragement.

We can resist fear by offering life-giving words.

We can refuse to settle for living scared.

We can expose the darkness to light.

So the next time you feel anxiety and fear weighing down your heart, ask God for help and encouragement. Remember, He is closer than a prayer away.