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Christian Courtesy, July 7
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As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 13:34
The value of courtesy is too little appreciated. Many who are kind at
heart lack kindliness of manner. Many who command respect by their
sincerity and uprightness are sadly deficient in geniality. This lack mars
their own happiness and detracts from their service to others. Many of
life’s sweetest and most helpful experiences are, often for mere want of
thought, sacrificed by the uncourteous.
The Holy Scriptures give us marked examples of the exercise of true
courtesy. Abraham was a man of God. When he pitched his tent he at
once erected his altar for sacrifice and invited God to abide with him.
Abraham was a courteous man. His life is not marred with selfishness, so
hateful in any character and so offensive in the sight of God. Witness his
conduct when about to separate from Lot. Though Lot was his nephew,
and much younger than himself, and the first choice of the land belonged
to Abraham, courtesy led him to forgo his right, and permit Lot to select
for himself that part of the country which seemed to him most desirable.
Behold him as he welcomes the three travelers in the heat of the day
and hastens to provide for their necessities. Again observe him as he
engages in a business transaction with the sons of Heth, to purchase a
burying place for Sarah. In his grief he does not forget to be courteous.
He bows before them, although he is God’s nobleman. Abraham knew
what genuine politeness was and what was due from man to his fellow
men.
We should be self-forgetful, ever ... watching for opportunities to
cheer others and lighten and relieve their sorrows and burdens by acts
of tender kindness and little deeds of love. These thoughtful courtesies,
that, commencing in our families, extend outside the family circle, help
make up the sum of life’s happiness.
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