Courtesy

This month's devotional comes from Mrs. Jacoba Muilwyk from Heritage Baptist Church in Palmyra, N.Y. 

One of our elementary schoolbooks contained the following poem:

Courtesy is to do and say

The nicest things in the nicest way.

    As toddlers, our parents trained us to say “please” and “thank you!” Unfortunately, some folks seem to “outgrow” politeness! They may feel like my four-year-old granddaughter … “I just can’t do manners because I can’t remember to be nice all day long!” 

    However difficult we may find it, Jesus commands us to be courteous! Ephesians 4:32 urges us to be “kind one to another…” 1 Corinthians 13:4 reminds us that “charity (love) is kind.” Jesus told His followers, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)

    Jesus treated the people with whom He came into contact with kindness. He found them where they were and met their needs (for example, the woman at the well in John 4.) We see the example of Abigail, who showed kindness to her husband Nabal (even though he didn’t deserve it), protecting him from the consequences of his lack of compassion towards David. She also treated David and his men kindly, providing for their needs and preventing David from an action he would have later regretted.

 

    Courtesy needs to start at home and reach out to all those whose lives intersect ours. Often we treat those with whom we live in a manner we never would act in public or with strangers. Why??

    My father was always well mannered - holding the door, offering an arm, carrying a bag. I would like to encourage you, young men - be gentlemen ! They are a dying breed! And, young ladies, allow guys to be gentlemen! He can’t open a door for me if I plow ahead and open it myself! (That’s me ) And remember to be sweet (courteous) and say, “thank you!” 

    Treating one another with courtesy pleases Christ and shows others that we love them and are putting them and their needs ahead of our own!