“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 (NASB)

Doesn’t it all boil down to one thing: the well-known Golden Rule? Isn’t this at the heart of all ethics codes? If hurting in some way, most of us would want to receive quality help.

The profession of human services evolved in response to the needs of others. If we help other human beings, are we not helping ourselves at the same time?

• Think about times you have helped someone (not professionally). Did it go well? Were you able to help fill a need? How did this feel, being able to help someone in his or her time of need?
• If you helped someone, but it did not go well, think about what went wrong. Did some people get offended or inadvertently harmed? What did you do?