Remind the believers to… be ready to do good, to speak no evil about anyone, to live in peace, and to be gentle and polite to all people.”

(Titus 3:1-2, NCV)

A story is told of two polite people having dinner together. On the table sat a dish with one large piece of fish and one small piece.  Very politely, they repeatedly said to each other, “You choose first.”  “No, you choose first.”

This went on for a while until one of them finally said, “Okay, I’ll choose first,” and he chose the large piece.  The other person protested, “Why did you take the big piece?  That’s not polite!”

The first person asked, “Which piece would you have taken?”  “The small piece, of course,”

“Well, that’s what you have now,” said the first.

Politeness is defined as “behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people.”  The quality of politeness is one which seems to be disappearing in our society.  It may seem like a small thing, but it’s extremely important.  It’s like salt in food — you barely notice it when it’s there, but its absence is immediately felt.  Simple words like “please” and “thank you” communicate respect and consideration.

But, as Christians, politeness isn’t just a social nicety; it’s a reflection of agape love. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13 that love “does not behave rudely.” (Vs. 5 NIV). And in Titus 3:1-2, believers are urged to live in a way that shows politeness to everyone.

Politeness is an outward expression of a heart that values others the way God values them.

In a world that is often self-centered, small acts of courtesy stand out as evidence of God’s love at work in us.  Whether it’s allowing someone to go first in line, listening without interrupting, or using words that uplift rather than wound, these moments demonstrate Christlike respect and care.

So, today, make a conscious effort to let your love for others show in the little things.  Be courteous.  Be gentle.  Be polite.  Even small gestures, done with a heart of love, can leave a lasting impression.

Prayer: Father, teach us to reflect your love in the way we treat others each day.  Help us to be gentle in our words, patient in our actions, and respectful in our attitudes. May our politeness not be an empty habit, but a genuine reflection of the love of Christ within us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day