BE COURTEOUS

Text:              LUKE 17:11-19

By:                 Bro. Kaine, Marvis

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INTRODUCTION 

Today, it often seems that common courtesy is becoming increasingly uncommon. Rudeness is pervasive, glorified in media and entertainment. Yet, as Christians, we are called to a higher standard.

Courtesy is the showing of politeness in one’s attitude and behaviour towards others.  It is all about using your good manners. Holding the door open for someone, saying or writing a thank you note, letting the pregnant lady have a seat and so many but few to mention. Manners and respect matter in the eyes of God.

1. The Problem of Rudeness

Common courtesy is dwindling in society. Media often promotes crude behavior for entertainment  such  as  making derogatory remarks about someone appearance, intelligence, or character in a public settings. Speaking rudely to older people or those in position of authority. Frequently cutting others off while they are speaking, showing lack of consideration for their thoughts, littering or  vandalizing  public  or  private properties of others.  Speaking loudly in public places disregarding the comfort of others, making unsolicited, inappropriate comments towards others often in public setting. Despite changing standards, Christians  are  called  to  pursue  virtues, not vices.

1. Biblical Perspective on Respect

Disrespect is not new; it plagued ancient societies too. Lamentations 5:12, Princes wer hung up by their hands and elders not respected – NKJ. Romans 1:30, 2 Timothy 3:3-4). As Christians, we are to shine as lights in the darkness (Philippians 2:15, That you may become blameless and harmless children of God without fault in the midst of crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…. John 15:19, Ephesians 5:8-11).

• Duty of Respect and Honour

Christians are called to honour and respect (Romans 13:7, 1 Peter 2:17, Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king).

This   includes:

1. Taxes and customs (Romans 13:7).
2. Respect for authorities and leaders (1 Peter 2:18, 1 Peter 2:17).
3. Respect for parents and elders (Ephesians 6:2, Leviticus 19:32, you shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD.

1. Practicing Tact and Grace.

Our speech should be seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6, let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Ephesians 4:29.

 Wise and  gracious  words  build  up others  (Ecclesiastes 10:12, Proverbs 16:21-24).

1. Showing Respect in Actions
2. Dressing respectfully. Grace can be so patient. It’s sickening that some folks will permit and precipitate in shameful dealings, even in God’s sanctuary. Let’s not provoke God to wrath. Every child of God must priorities proper dressing. It’s honourable, and God sanctions it. Give God, others and yourself some respect. Dress well. (Matthew 22:11, John 21:7, 1 Timothy 2:9-10).
3. Greetings and hospitality reflect our love for others (Luke 10:5, Luke 10:38, Romans 16:16, Philippians 4:21, 1 Peter 5:14, Luke 7:36-47).

1. Listening and Empathy
2. Jesus modelled listening to others (Luke 2:46, Luke 10:39-42).
3. Being swift to hear demonstrates humility (James 1:19).

• Treating Others with Kindness

1. The golden rule: treat others as you would like to be treated (Luke 6:31).
2. Showing concern for others’ needs (Philippians 2:3-4, Luke 14:8-11).

• Practicing Hospitality

1. Hospitality is a Christian virtue (Luke 14:12-14, 1 Peter 4:9).
2. It involves welcoming strangers and serving them with love.

1. Cultivating Contentment and Gratitude
2. Contentment in all circumstances (Luke 10:7-8, Philippians 4:11-12).
3. Gratitude as a mark of Christian character (Luke 17:14-17, 2 Timothy 3:2).

Conclusion

In a world where rudeness is rampant, Christians are called to be counter- cultural. Let us shine as lights by practicing kindness,  respect,  and gratitude in all our interactions. Our manners are not just social niceties but reflections of our faith in Christ.

As we embody these virtues, we glorify  God  and  draw  others  to  His love. Let’s commit to minding our manners with intentional and grace. Whether in speech, actions, or attitudes, let’s reflect Christ’s love and honour others as He has honoured us.

May our lives be a testimony to the transformative power of God’s grace in a  world desperate for kindness and respect.

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