The Courteous Christian

Off and on this year we have discussed in these devotionals following the example of Jesus.  If I were to ask you “Was Jesus courteous?” you would immediately answer, “Yes!”

Let’s explore that a moment.  What does the word courteous mean? According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary:  “Polite; wellbred; . . . civil; obliging; condescending; applied to persons.”  Courtesy: “Elegance or politeness of manners; especially, politeness connected with kindness; civility; complaisance; as, the gentleman shows great courtesy to strangers; he treats his friends with great courtesy.”

We know Jesus was courteous – the most prominent example was how He took care of His mother while He was dying on the cross – giving her to John to be cared for.  So if Jesus was courteous and we are to follow His example, then we, too, must be courteous.  Have you ever thought about the effect of your courtesy, or lack thereof, on fellow individuals in relation to your Christian experience?  It’s basically one of the fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance.  Gentleness means softness of manners, kindness;  forms of courtesy, wouldn’t you say?

Listen to what Sister White had to say about courtesy. “Those who work for Christ are to be pure, upright, and trustworthy, and they are also to be tenderhearted, compassionate, and courteous. There is a charm in the intercourse of those who are truly courteous. Kind words, pleasant looks, a courteous demeanor, are of inestimable value. Uncourteous Christians, by their neglect of others, show that they are not in union with Christ. It is impossible to be in union with Christ and yet be uncourteous.”  {3SM 237.1}

Can we say then, that to be uncourteous we are not a Christian?

The article goes on to say, “What Christ was in His life on this earth, that every Christian should be. He is our example, not only in His spotless purity, but in His patience, gentleness, and winsomeness of disposition. He was as firm as a rock where truth and duty were concerned, but He was invariably kind and courteous. His life was a perfect illustration of true courtesy. He had ever a kind look and a word of comfort for the needy and oppressed.”  {3SM 237.2} 

How do we become more courteous? “The love of Christ mellows the heart and smooths all roughness from the disposition. Let us learn from Him how to combine a high sense of purity and integrity with sunniness of temperament. A kind, courteous Christian is the most powerful argument in favor of the gospel that can be produced.”  {3SM 238.4} 

Let us manifest the grace and courteousness of Christ today.  If you would like to read more of this article on “The Grace of Courtesy,” you can find it in Selected Messages, Book 3, pg. 237-240.