1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brothers, be pitiful, be courteous:… I have sometimes seen in the neighbourhood of large towns streets of houses half-built; the foundations have been laid, the walls run up, the roof put on; but the mere shell is there, with no window frames, no flooring laid on the joists, no paper on the walls, etc. It seems to me that there are many men and women whose lives have been built up by religion about as far as these unfinished houses. They have sterling goodness, they are sober, the foundation is there; but oh! for a little paper and furniture to add comfort and softness, some of the graces of life, and especially the grace of Christian courtesy. I. DISTINGUISH TRUE COURTESY FROM FALSE IMITATIONS OF IT. 1. We must distinguish true Christian courtesy from snobbishness. Many people think that to be courteous means to bow down to a man who has a longer purse, a better coat, or bluer blood than they have. 2. Again, we must not mix up this grace with the mere observance of certain elaborate and artificial rules of etiquette, which men who are occupied all day long with hard work, and who are naturally simple and direct in their way of life, dislike. 3. Courtesy is the natural result of grasping the second great principle of the Christian religion, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Grasp the thought that your neighbour has as much claim to your respectful consideration as you have yourself, and you will become courteous. This consideration will be tempered by a further feeling, produced by the actual position of the person towards whom it is extended. Towards woman the consideration is tempered with tenderness, and becomes chivalry. Towards great leaders in state, religion, literature, art, it is qualified by respect. II. POINT OUT PLAINLY OUR DEFICIENCIES IN IT. Are husbands always courteous towards their wives? There is a neglect, it is to be feared, of this virtue sometimes among Christian Churches. Nonconformists and Church people are not always courteous to one another. Then there is often discourtesy in politics. But why should we impute wrong motives to political opponents? Lastly, is there not room for more courtesy between class and class? Is there not something of an aggressive tone in the "I-am-as-good-as-you" manner of some of us towards those who are richer than ourselves? Of course, you are as good, if by "good" you mean that your soul and your rights are as precious in God's sight. But why needlessly flaunt this in the face of those who have no desire to question it? Those who are poor need not be servile nor blunt. "Be courteous." III. HOW SHALL WE ATTAIN TO THIS SPIRIT OF CHRISTIAN COURTESY? The only true way of attaining to it is by living in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. (C. H. Irwin, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:WEB: Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous, |
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