Sunday August 9, 2020 Minister Tajuana Miles
How We Treat Others
“The test of Good Manners is to be able to put up pleasantly with bad ones.” -Wendell L. Willkie“
Loving others and showing them the love of Jesus is what being a Christian is all about. When we think about others and place their wants and needs before our own, we model Jesus’ heart of love and servanthood in action!
Key Point: Good Manners require Grace. Psalm 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. We need to be equipped with grace and an attitude that allows us to behave politely in the face of others’ shortcomings. Grace – refers to undeserving acceptance and love from God
Key Point: Being Polite Takes Patience. Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
It is vital to take responsibility for ourselves and our own behavior. Choosing to be polite even when others act rudely not only keeps our own anger in check but also diffuses rude situations quickly. Good manners improve situations for everyone; complaining never helps.
Patience is a Difficult Virtue to Master
1 Thessalonians 5:14-18
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Answer the Question About Patience and other virtues.
- With Whom are we to be Patient?
- Why is it Wrong to pay back rude behavior with more rude behavior?
- How does forgiveness help us have patience with dealing with rude or hurtful behavior?
Good Manners Reflect our Love for God.
Key Point: Appreciate the Diversity of Life.
Key Point: Respect Others Individuality.
As we care for others and place them before us, our love for them and for God is reflected through our manners.
God created human beings as uniquely as flowers. And because God values everyone, we must do the same. Good manners leave no room for teasing or leaving others out because they are different.
Prejudice means an unfounded dislike of someone simply because of what they look like, how they worship or how much money they have. Prejudice sets up walls against accepting others and God accepts everyone with loving arms.
We must realize that if we separate ourselves from others instead of accepting and getting to know them, we are the ones who miss out. We also close the door to practicing unity by getting to know and appreciate someone who is different from us – and that door may be the way through which someone is introduced to Jesus.
Forgive to Be Forgiven?
Key Point: Use sincere Apologies.
Remember not to focus on the faults of others. When you encounter Rude behavior, you must practice biblical art of forgiving others over and over (forgiving seventy times seven) as many times as he is hurt or offended. It may not be easy for you to understand or accept that forgiveness must be shown over and over. But if we are to reflect Jesus love to others, then forgiveness must be politely, if not easily, offered. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is best to forgive quickly and do not “score-keep” or hold on to wrongs committed. Staying angry or irritated oy hurts the one who refuses to forgive. Psalms 103:12 states, As far as the east is from the west, so far has God removed our transgressions from us. When God forgives us, He does not keep score – He forgets our sins.
Try This: To overcome rudeness of pointing out others’ mistakes, “police” each other in a positive way. Manners that ate praised will multiply!
What does the Bible say about: unforgiveness?
Mark 11:25 ESV
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:14-15 ESV
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Ephesians 4:32 ESV
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Matthew 6:12 ESV
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
1 John 1:9 ESV
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.
Proverbs 24:17 ESV
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,