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Courtesy Toward All, October 16
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.
1 Peter 3:8
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“Be courteous,” is a Bible injunction. We all have our peculiar temper-
aments. Some have very quick tempers; some are inclined to be morose,
some stubborn, and others coarse and rough, unkind in words. Therefore
we need to cultivate our tempers, take ourselves in hand....Soften whatever
is harsh in your temper and burnish off the rough edges of your character.
Never be sour and harsh at any time. Abstain from frowns and con-
tempt, however much you may feel them. You should win respect by
being respectful and courteous. Treat every one with civility; they are
the purchase of the blood of Christ. If you seek to imitate Christ in your
character, the impression upon the people will not be made by you, but by
the angels of God that stand right by your side; they will touch the hearts
of those to whom you speak.
Those who hope to be the companions of holy angels should possess
refined manners. If the principles of the Christian religion are carried out
in the daily life, there will be a kind thoughtfulness for others, for this
was characteristic of Christ. Then, although a man may be poor, he will
have true dignity, for he is God’s nobleman.
Christianity will make a man a gentleman. We are the purchase of
Christ’s blood, and we are to represent Him, to pattern after Him. And
He was courteous, even to His persecutors. The true follower of Jesus
manifests the same mild, self-sacrificing spirit that marked the life of
his Master. Look at Paul when brought before rulers. His speech before
Agrippa is a model of dignified courtesy as well as persuasive eloquence.
I would not encourage the formal politeness current with the world, which
is destitute of the true spirit of courtesy, but the politeness that springs
from real kindness of feeling.
In Christ a greater example has been given us than that of either
patriarch or apostle. Here we have genuine courtesy illustrated. This
virtue ran parallel with His life, clothing it with a softened and refined
beauty, and shedding its luster over every action.
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