Be Courteous

Be Courteous!

"8 Finally, be ye all of one mind: one suffer with another: love as brethren: be pitiful, be courteous." ( 1 Peter 3:8 Geneva Version)

"8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:"
(1 Peter 3:8 KJV)

It shocks me to say this, but sometimes I do not see courtesy coming from God's own people. If they appreciate their brothers and sisters, they sure have not showed it at times. I do not say this simply because of my name (Curtis means "courteous"), but because Jesus cares about it.
 Please show your love, be polite, say thank you... especially to pastors and volunteers who lead and help! We all need to hear gratitude, including us pastors. Did someone give you a ride to the church? Thank him or her! Did a person at church open the door for you? Thank them!
In fact, why not open the door for someone else? Do you see someone who needs help cleaning the church? Help them!  Does the church coffee pot need cleaning at the end of service? Help out! But be sure to call and make sure no one else wants one last cup first! Gotta be sure. It's basic courtesy. Why? Because we love one another! And it should extend to all areas of our lives, not just in church.
And yet... it seems we need to be schooled in it. I wonder why? Are we in too much of a rush to show our care? Jesus cared about courtesy. He cared about receiving the courtesy of a "Thank you". Need proof? Read the following passage:
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Luke 17:11-19 KJV
11¶And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
12And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
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See this? Only 10% of the lepers that were healed actually came back to thank Jesus and glorify God. Courtesy is actually glorifying to God when we take the time to thank Jesus for what He has done for us, and is still doing for us! Jesus was very bothered by the fact that 90% of those who HAD FAITH for healing, DID NOT show the common courtesy to say "thank you". Sad to say this, people of faith are not always courteous. This does not have to be the case. But sometimes it is. And I am sometimes forgetful myself and I have to retutn to someone and express gratitude. We all get rushed and forgetful. But what I am talking about is when courtesy is left out almost all the time. This, we cannot allow in the practice of Christianity. It starts with me. And you.

Courtesy (in action and word) is very Biblical and very needed. Notice in this passage from Luke 17, there was action (turning back to Jesus) and there were words (thanking Jesus.)

 It is a basic human need, to feel appreciated and loved. Courtesy is the vehicle in which we travel to get us to the point of loving one another. And indeed, the church should be a prime example of courtesy, showing the world who Jesus is and that He still has time for another lost soul, to save and heal them. Courtesy in word and action really is more than being polite and helpful.

Ultimately, courtesy in action speaks the following message: "I love you enough to slow down and help you and speak with you, and listen to you. I have time for you. Jesus has time for you. You matter to God! I appreciate this act of kindness you have shown me. Let me show you an act of kindness in return!"

Blessings,
Pastor Curtis
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3:37pm EST Thurs. May 1, 2014