Part of I Corinthians 13:5 says, "Love is not rude." This week as we are Pursuing Love we are asking ourselves are we rude or courteous.
"Do unto others" is a good way to live life. But do we really follow this in our thoughts and actions? When I face a rude waitress or clerk at a store, I often think, "why do they have to be rude to me? What did I do?" And then I want to be rude back to them. This is not what my response should be though. I need to stop and consider their life and remind myself that I don't know the road they are walking. While we like to think there isn't an excuse for rudeness, there are probably contributing circumstances that we don't know about causing the rude behavior in the first place. Maybe they just got some really bad news and would rather be home with their family. Maybe they have been on their feet all day, working multiple jobs to try to provide for their children. Maybe they are sick and don't have the option of using a "sick day." Maybe they don't even know the love of Jesus. We just don't know.
This is something God has shown me over and over in various ways this week in things I've read and heard. I need to be looking at others through His eyes. He shows us grace and love over and over. Every time we mess up, He is there and still loves us. This is what I need to do for people in my life, both my family as well as strangers.
Have a day of blessings!
8 comments:
Bethany, thank you for this very thoughtful post and for your comments on mine!
What a sweet sweet post! We are on the same page on this subject aren't we :) I cannot even tell you how many times this was IN MY FACE today! God was really making sure I got it and not just talked about it...Don't you just love it when HE does that !!!
I for one know that you are very courteous!
You mean so much to mom and my whole family.... I pray that I pursue love on a regular basis as well....
I noticed you also have a book blog but haven't posted in a while....I just started one myself and it is slow in getting followers....One of the companies I review for said I need to remain on my Magoos news until I have more followers....I am about to resort to begging for followers LOL. What is your recommendation?
Such a nice post, love you.
You are right, Bethany. We often don't know the 'back-story' to someone. I encounter all day long rude people, and sometimes their rudeness gets a better of me. I need to take you wise words to heart -- lets also give them the benefit of the doubt, give them a smile :)
Even if someone is VERY annoying we must have the right attitude.............right!! : )
What a great post on considering the other person. It really could be an opportunity for us to pray for someone instead of being rude.
And I agree with what my sister said : )
Love you!
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