Be Good To People | Victoria Osteen

Summary

---

Joel Osteen Podcast

Episode: Be Good To People | Victoria Osteen
Date: August 23, 2025
Host: Joel Osteen, featuring Victoria Osteen

---

Episode Overview

In this affirming episode, Joel and Victoria Osteen emphasize the vital importance of kindness and respect in daily life, rooted in faith and love. Drawing from personal stories, scripture, and practical advice, Victoria Osteen guides listeners through the powerful effects of expressing faith by doing good to others—especially those who are difficult to love. The core message is clear: genuine love and kindness, not just words or beliefs, have the power to transform relationships, communities, and the believer themselves.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. People Matter to God (02:14–04:10)

• Joel opens with the reminder that "people matter most to God," urging listeners to prioritize respecting and loving others, even in disagreement.
• He stresses how easy it is in today’s world to fixate on differences, but unity and respect honor God and promote the gospel.

"It's so easy these days to find things that we disagree on... but the point is to continue to show respect for people. When we show respect, you know what we're doing? We are honoring God and we're promoting the gospel."
—Joel Osteen [02:20]

2. Actions Speak Louder Than Words (04:11–05:22)

• The hosts underscore that faith is best shown through loving actions, not just religious observance or words.
• The way believers act, particularly towards those outside their faith community, is what gets noticed and sparks belief.

"As a believer, the truth is people don't really care what you say... It's not what you say, but it's what you do in faith that's the difference."
—Joel Osteen [04:21]

3. Unity in the Church and Beyond (05:23–06:38)

• Victoria notes the tendency for pettiness in religious communities, for example—arguing over Bible translations.
• Unity, despite minor differences, has a profound impact on nonbelievers and serves as a testament to the faith.

"I've seen believers literally argue over the different translations of the Bible. See, we're better than that. We've got to stay together... It's not what you know, it's what you do."
—Victoria Osteen [05:45]

4. Faith Expressed Through Love (06:39–08:40)

• Quoting Galatians 5:16, the message is clear: what counts is "faith expressing itself through love."
• It's easy to love those who love us, but the calling is to love even those who are difficult, which sometimes means "loving in faith."

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
—Victoria Osteen [06:56]

• Jesus’ ministry is highlighted as an example; he was "anointed to do good," bringing healing through his loving actions.
• The listener is encouraged to see their own "anointing to do good" as a way to bring God into situations of discord.

5. Loving Difficult People and Transforming Ourselves (08:41–12:22)

• Victoria tells a childhood story illustrating how humility can diffuse conflict and promote healing.
• Responding to hostility with humility or kindness can change the atmosphere, even if the other person doesn’t change.
• The focus shifts from changing others to letting love change ourselves.

"You may have some relationships in your life that will never change... But I can tell you this. You'll change. And that's what matters the most to God."
—Victoria Osteen [11:34]

• The podcast ties biblical encouragement ("pray for your enemies") to practical actions, reinforcing that true faith acts even when feeling resistant.

"Faith acts before it feels. You see, our flesh wants to feel it... But the spirit, faith, the things of God say, I am going to love in faith."
—Victoria Osteen [09:08]

6. Personal and Spiritual Benefits of Kindness (12:23–13:34)

• Kindness is not just for others—it nourishes our "own soul" and brings healing to ourselves as well.
• Proverbs 11:17 is quoted: “Those who are kind benefit themselves…your own soul is nourished when you’re kind.”

"When you're good to people, you're nourishing your own soul. You're bringing healing to them."
—Victoria Osteen [12:56]

• Victoria urges listeners to seek opportunities to do good, especially within their immediate circles—family, colleagues, neighbors.

7. Practical Call to Action (13:35–13:54)

• The episode closes the message with a charge: don’t withhold good when it’s in your ability to act.
• Love and faith should be used to "treat people right whether you agree with them or not." This, Victoria says, is where healing and true change begin.

"You're anointed to do good. You have the power to treat people right whether you agree with them or not."
—Victoria Osteen [13:50]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "If you love God today, if you want to live for him, then you need to step back in this world full of conflict and say, I'm going to begin to express my faith in God by loving people, especially those difficult, unlovable people."
  —Victoria Osteen [13:03]

• "You can't argue with somebody who won't argue back... you're breaking down walls and barriers that would like to keep you limited."
  —Victoria Osteen [12:31]

• "God is not going to ask us how many people we changed. He's going to ask us, did we change? Did we walk in love?"
  —Victoria Osteen [11:44]

---

Important Timestamps

• 02:14 – Joel introduces the day’s focus: being good to people
• 04:21 – Actions matter more than words for demonstrating faith
• 05:45 – Petty disagreements and importance of unity in the church
• 06:56 – Galatians 5:16; true faith is expressed through love
• 08:57 – Victoria’s childhood story about humility defusing conflict
• 11:34 – If relationships don’t change, you will
• 12:56 – Personal benefits of kindness (Proverbs 11:17)
• 13:50 – The power to do good is always within your reach

---

Tone and Style

The conversation is warm, hopeful, and practical. Victoria’s tone is nurturing and encouraging, often blending Scripture with everyday examples. The episode exudes optimism about the transformative effect of resilient kindness and love, reminding believers that being "good to people" is both a spiritual duty and a path to personal fulfillment.

---

For listeners seeking inspiration to handle difficult relationships or simply add more kindness into their lives, this episode offers accessible, grounded guidance with a strong faith-based foundation.

Transcript

[Commercial Narrator]

My uncontrollable movements called TD tardive dyskinesia felt embarrassing. I felt like disconnecting.

[Joel Osteen]

I asked my doctor about treating my TD and learned about in a prescription.

[Commercial Narrator]

Medicine clinically proven for reducing TD in adults. That's always one capsule once daily and number one prescribed.

[Joel Osteen]

People taking in can stay on most.

[Pharmaceutical Announcer]

Mental health meds in can cause depression, suicidal thoughts or actions in patients with Huntington's disease. Call your doctor if you become depressed, have sudden behavior or mood changes or suicidal thoughts. Don't take in serious side effect may include allergic reactions like sudden, potentially fatal swelling in hives, sleepiness the most common side effect, and heart rhythm problems. Know how in grezza affects you before operating a car or dangerous machinery, report fever, stiff muscles or problems thinking as these might be life threatening. Shaking, stiffness, drooling and trouble with moving or balance may occur.

[Joel Osteen]

Take control by asking your doctor about Ingrezza.

[Pharmaceutical Announcer]

Learn more at ingrezza.com that's ing R E Z Z A dot com in.

[Commercial Narrator]

Grezza.

[Skechers Advertiser]

Moms and Dads do you wish you could know where your kids shoes are at all times? Now you can with Skechers newest Apple Airtag compatible sneakers. Find My Skechers. There's a clever hidden airtag compartment under the shoe's insole. It's sleek, secure and your child can't feel or see it. Then you can check where your kids shoes are on the Find My app. Plus they're available for boys and girls. Get Find my [e-mail], a Skechers store near you or wherever kids shoes are sold. Apple Airtags sold separately.

[Commercial Narrator]

Your skin should never come second. That's why Pact makes everyday essentials from the purest organic cotton. No toxins, no harsh chemicals, just softness you can feel good in because wellness isn't just what you put in your body, it's what you put on it too. From the first layer to the last, getting dressed should feel like self care. Visit wearpacked.com and use code dresswell for 15% off your first order packed. Dress yourself well.

[Victoria Osteen]

Hi, this is Joel and Victoria. Thanks for listening to our podcast and thanks for supporting the ministry.

[Joel Osteen]

If you enjoyed today's message, why don't you be a blessing and share it with a friend?

[Victoria Osteen]

We appreciate you and pray for God's very best in your life.

[Joel Osteen]

We are confident in you this morning. In Jesus name I want to remind us all today to be good to people. We have to be good to people. See people matter to God People matter most to God. And it's so easy these days to find things that we disagree on. There's so much information, there's so many things swirling that we can easily find things that we disagree on. You know, you've never been agreeing 100% of the time with anyone. But the point that we need to make in our life to God, the things that we need to do is continue to show respect for people. We have to show respect whether we agree with people or not. When we show respect, you know what we're doing? We are honoring God and we're promoting the gospel. We're promoting the good news. We're saying, God, I respect these people because they matter to you. And when I show respect, I'm showing the good news. I am promoting the gospel on this earth. See, as a believer, the truth is people don't really care what you say. They don't care if you go to church every Sunday. If you're honest, you don't lie, you don't steal, you don't cheat. You know what gets their attention. It's what you do. See, it's not what you say, but it's what you do in faith. It's what you do through faith that makes the difference. You know, especially in church. In the church, we should make sure that we don't have petty disagreements. See, the church, no matter what your beliefs are, in the church of Jesus Christ, we should stand under the umbrella of the blood of Jesus Christ. All right? We should be in unity because that makes a difference to the people who aren't believers. That's what's going to cause them to believe. That's what's going on to get their attention. You know, I've seen believers literally argue over the different translations of the Bible. See, we're better than that. We're better than that. We got to stay together. It's not what you know, it's what you do. It's how you act. It's how you show your faith. How do you express your faith? Listen to what it Sundays in Galatians 5:16. It says, in Christ Jesus, there's neither circumcision or non circumcision. None of that has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. That scripture is saying, you may know a lot of stuff, you may know all the rules, and you may know how to look really good and say the right things, but that is not where the value is. The value in God's eyes is us expressing our faith in him through love. To other people. That's what gets people's attention, and that's what pleases God. You know, some people are more difficult to love than other people. And that's just bottom line. See, it's easy to love people that love you, people that agree with you, see things the way you do. But they'll always be people that are more difficult to love. And so let's just talk about that a minute, because that's the thing that we probably need to work on the most. It's loving in faith. See, sometimes you have to love in faith. See, Jesus was empowered on this earth by the Holy Spirit. It says that he was empowered to do good. See, everywhere Jesus went, he did good. He did good. He was empowered. He was anointed with power to do good. And, you know, in doing good, he brought healing everywhere he went. And you and I have been anointed to do good. We've been anointed to bring healing to this earth to promote the good news of Jesus Christ. That's what your anointing does. It brings God on the scene. It brings God on the scene. So we have to step back in this time of division and discord and disagreement. And we have to say, what is my purpose? My purpose is to further the gospel. My purpose is not to get my opinion out there. I can do more through love than I can spreading my opinion. Because, see, God is the one who works through the expression of love. And when you are loving, when you are making conscious decisions to express your faith in God through love, God is working in your life. I read a quote that says this. It says, faith acts before it feels. Faith acts before it feels. You see, our flesh wants to feel it. We want to like you because you're like me. But the spirit, faith, the things of God says, I am going to love in faith. I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt. I'm going to remember that God loves you and you matter to God. You see, that's what faith says. Feelings say, no way. Faith says, I must. I must. This is something that happened to me when I was in the sixth grade. And I never forgot this. I was just coming from lunch. I was in junior high school. I was walking down the hall, and this girl, I think she was in the eighth grade, I had never even seen her before. I didn't know the girl. I've never talked to her. She walks up to me and she says, I'm gonna beat you up. And I was like, why? She said, I don't like the way you act. I looked at her and I said, I'll change. Do you know that girl looked at me, turned around and walked off? And I never saw her again. I never saw her again. It's kind of interesting that that's what came up out of me. Guess I didn't want to get beat up. Now my mind for a split second said, I'm not changing. I don't even know who you are. You don't even know me. But thank God, that's what came up. Because I look back now and I think that simple answer, that simple answer of humility brought healing. Because think about this just a minute. If you disagree with someone or if someone doesn't like you, or someone's causing you trouble and you act the same way to them, maybe you disrespect them, nothing changes. Nothing changes. You're going to dislike them. They're going to dislike you as much or more than ever before. Nothing changes. But when you make a choice to love by faith, to express your love for God by loving other people, the potential for change is huge. And I believe the attitudes of our heart change. We dislike those people less and less and less when we choose to express our faith through love. That's why the Bible says, pray for your enemies. Pray for those who do wrong against you. You see, you may have some relationships in your life that will never change. Those people, no matter how kind you are to them, will never be kind to you. They'll never show you the respect that you're showing them. They may never change. But I can tell you this. You'll change. You'll change. And that's what matters the most to God. God is not going to ask us how many people we changed. He's going to ask us, did we change? Did we walk in love? Did we express our faith through love? Because that's what's going to change everybody around us. That's what's going to change everyone around us. So. So when you do good, let me tell you something. You're not only doing other people a favor. Because, see, you can't argue with somebody who won't argue back. You're not only doing them a favor and promoting love and healing, you're doing yourself a favor. You're changing. You're breaking down walls and barriers that would like to keep you limited. God will do great things in your life. He will enrich you. When you choose to express your faith in love, listen to what it says in Proverbs 11:17. It says, those who are kind benefit themselves. One version says, you, own soul is nourished when you're kind. See, when you're good to people, you're nourishing your own soul. You're bringing healing to them. If you love God today, if you want to live for him, then you need to step back in this world full of conflict and say, I'm going to begin to express my faith in God by loving people, especially those difficult, unlovable people. You see, you can do more by your actions than you can by your words. I want to encourage you today to look for opportunities to be good to people, not only those who are difficult, but those who are in your own backyard. Maybe it's your co worker, maybe it's the man that mows the lawn. Or maybe it's a family member that can use your help. The scripture says, don't withhold good when it's in your power to act. Listen, you're anointed to do good. You have the power to treat people right whether you agree with them or not. And if you love God, God wants you to use that same love and express it through faith to all those around you. Because that's where the healing comes in. Amen. Amen.

[Victoria Osteen]

It's easy to get stuck in life because of fear and lack of confidence or we've been through disappointments. But I'm excited about Victoria's new book, Grace to Go. It'll help you move past what's holding you back and step into new levels of your destiny.

[Joel Osteen]

My heart for this book is that you will discover the courage, the gifts and the faith that God has put so that you can see your dreams come to pass. It's not too late. The obstacles are not too big. The grace of God equips you to go beyond your comfort zone and overcome what looks impossible. You are stronger than you think. You are not alone. You are Grace to Go as our.

[Donation Appeal Announcer]

Way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount. This month we'll send you Victoria Osteen's brand new book, Graced Step onto the Bigger, Bolder Life that belongs to you. This inspiring resource will help you break through fear, insecurity or regret and activate the faith to move forward. Each chapter will stir your spirit, renew your perspective, and empower you to live boldly. You don't have to wait for perfect conditions. God's grace meets you where you are and propels you into a future full of purpose and peace. With an additional gift, we'll send you the Grace to Go Bold Bundle featuring Grace to Go By Victoria Osteen and Pray Bold by Joel Osteen. These two powerful books will stir your faith, break hesitation and help you believe big again.

[Joel Osteen]

Grace is power. When you receive it by faith, it enables you to take the next step so you can become all you were created to be.

[Victoria Osteen]

Victoria and I are so grateful to spend this time with you. We pray for you and your family every day. Thank you so much for your prayer and support. Your generosity is helping people around the world. Special thank you to our Champion of Hope partners for your monthly gifts. If you're not a partner, I hope you'll consider becoming one. Remember, you can watch the services online every Sunday morning. Download our daily podcast watch on YouTube, the new Joel Osteen Network Social media of course. Listen on SiriusXM 24. 7. We'll help you stay encouraged and inspired. If you're a pastor, we'd like to invite you to our Pastors Gathering. We'd be honored to spend the day with you here at Lakewood. We'll share some of the things we've learned, insights and behind the scenes be a time of inspiration and encouragement. We'd love to meet you.

[Donation Appeal Announcer]

These two powerful books will stir your faith, break hesitation and help you believe big again. Be sure to request your copy of these powerful resources today for an additional donation. This month we are also offering the NLT Large Print Thin Line Reference Bible. This bible also enables you to connect through your smartphone or tablet to a vast power packed array of study notes, devotionals, interactive maps, videos, worship music. You can request these inspiring resources by calling 888-567 Joel or logging on to jolostein.com today. Call or click anytime 24 hours a day. Start fresh. Step forward. You are graced to go request your copy.

[Skechers Advertiser]

Moms and Dads, do you wish you could know where your kids shoes are at all times? Now you can with skechers newest Apple AirTag compatible sneakers. Find My Skechers. There's a clever hidden Airtag compartment under the shoe's insole. It's sleek, secure and your child can't feel or see it. Then you can check where your kids shoes are on the Find My app. Plus they're available for boys and girls. Get Find my [e-mail], a Skechers store near you or wherever kids shoes are sold. Apple Airtag sold separately.

[Commercial Narrator]

Your skin should never come second. That's why Pact makes everyday essentials from the purest organic cotton. No toxins, no harsh chemicals, just softness you can feel good in because wellness isn't just what you put in your body, it's what you put on it too. From the first layer to the last, Getting dressed should feel like self care. Visit wearpacked.com and use code dresswell for 15% off your first order packed. Dress yourself well, they say if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together. At Amica Insurance, we know what matters most to you, and we work even harder to protect it together. As a mutual insurance company, we're built for our customers and prioritize your needs. Amica empathy is our best policy. Call 877-41-America for a free coverage review.