Thank You Please

Joseph Joubert said, "Politeness is the blossom of our humanity".  Wow, we must be living in the thorny stage of life's journey. It's difficult not to notice how rude and disrespectful people are to one another in restaurants, in stores, on the highways and in church parking lots. The era of service and simple courtesy seems to have vanished. It's missing without a trace!  How long has it been since you heard in any manner of regularity children and the younger generation say “yes, ma’am and no ma’am” or “yes sir or no sir” to those of older generations? I, for one, am convinced that the lack of courtesy in our generation is paralleled to our rejection of and departure from God and Bible principles of kindness and respect for one another.  

Let's consider several scriptures that teach courtesy and good manners. 

"Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;. 4  do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:2-4)  

“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..” (Matt. 7:12) 

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you".  (Eph. 4:32)

Ephesians 6:1-4 is written to the church. It deals with good manners and respect of family members in the home including a command that goes all the way back to the ten commandments, “honor your father & your mother .” 

It is interesting to note the likeness of the character of God and Christ in these verses:  the characteristic of being humble and putting others ahead of oneself. 

A pearl to string: Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you – not because they are nice, but because you are. We should wear velvet on our inside, show ourselves most amiable to those of our own house for goodness is the health of the soul. 

We cannot erase all of the bad manners in the world, but we can help by setting the example of courtesy. Say, “thank you and please” take the time to show some courtesy to a stranger that could use a kindly deed, surprise your parents by saying “yes ma’am” and “yes sir” and “please” and “thank you” (after you help them up off the floor) you might be surprised at the rewards you would get, beginning with a personal feeling of fulfillment. Courtesy is taught by the scriptures. Hide His Word in your heart today. 

Know you are loved,

                                Lyndi