Good Manners

Manners are the outward expression of a person’s inner character. In the Scripture we find the basis for common courtesy and manners.  We are to:

Show proper respect to everyone. 1 Peter 2:17
Excel in the grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7
Be kind and compassionate. Ephesians 4:32
Speak words, that build others up. Ephesians 4:29
Deny ourselves to follow Christ’s example. Luke 9:23-26
Honour parents and authorities. Ephesians 6:1-3, 5-8

How we act… through our manners and our behaviour—is a choice. Our words and actions can bring light and life to our family and to others—or they can bring darkness and despair. And we want to inspire our children to make the right choices—to bring life… not darkness.

Choose to have an “Attitude Of Gratitude.” By having a thankful heart for what we do have, it will help us to stop complaining about what we don’t have. Our thankful attitude will help us show our appreciation and respect for others.

Using proper manners, in our daily lives speaks well of us, and they can carry us far. The way we treat others and how we conduct ourselves, the manner of respect and common sense speak volumes to others about the kind of person we are. Using good manners is something that we all should strive to do. Using respect for others by showing common courtesy is one thing we all can do. Practicing good manners makes a world of difference in how others perceive us.

We should have respect for one another and treat others with dignity. We cannot expect it from others if we never show it to those around us.

Our speech reflects where our heart is as well.  “From out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”  (Matthew 12:34)  Avoid critical language.  Lift up others.  Always have something uplifting to say.  “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all,” is an old adage and is still good advice for today. 

The wonderful thing about good manners is that they help us show God’s love to a hurting world that desperately needs to know and experience Him.

We need to use these phrases, in our daily lives and also some of the qualites that can change the world! The top 10.

• Be polite, and use the word, Please.
• Thank you!(whenever someone does something nice for you, and remember to thank the Almighty God, too.)
• You’re welcome,(a reciprocation to the thank you, and to also say that whenever you need help, count on me.)
• Show interest in a topic and do not interrupt. Be a good listener.
• Take turns to speak. Do not have a one way conversation.
• Be a good sport. Don't get aggressive.
• Be kind. Kind words build people up.
• Be punctual.
• Excuse Me and
• I’m Sorry, Will You Forgive Me?(it takes just two words to mend a broken heart, or to just heal the damage of the hour.)

Respectful Actions

• Honour your parents.
• Show respect to our fellow brethren.
• Acknowledge everybody you know and meet, because God ignores nobody.
• Treat all elders and our community members, irrespective of who they are, with respect.
• Refrain from using foul language. 
• Respect other people’s property.
• Good table manners help us have more meaningful conversations and build stronger relationships.
• Good telephone etiquette.
• Our writing should be done with respect and politeness. Be careful not to write a letter or email when you’re mad.
• Be hospitable to guests who come to your home. 
• Kindness and compassion to those who are less fortunate and to every one around.
• Be thankful for our families and live bringing honour to your family.

Jesus said: “If anyone would come after me, he must take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)  As we make good behavior and polite manners a habit, it becomes easier to deny ourselves.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden light.”  (Matthew 11:28-30)

When we deny ourselves we practice self-control, which is also a part of good manners.  Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”  (Galatians 5:22-23)  The Holy Spirit can work His fruits in us, if we just offer a yielded life to Him.  To have genuinely good manners all of the fruits of the Spirit need to be evident in our lives. How many people do you know today who are courteous and polite to everybody, even to those who are not polite back? Courtesy and manners show love to others.

REMEMBER: We can’t solve all of the world’s problems, but we can help a little here and a little there. It may go completely unnoticed, or it may have an impact in ways we do not realize: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house” (Matt. 5:14–15). Be a light unto others. Spread the sunshine.

Conclusion: A friendly smile, a caring look—God is pleased with that, and He will bless us for it even though others might resent it or not even notice it. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven”.

Jesus taught us the truth when He said, "Therefore all things whatsoever you would that man should do to you, do even unto them" (Matt. 7:12). In other words, manners matter.

I leave you with these words:

‘The Sun, never tells the Earth, you owe me. Look what happens with a LOVE like that. It lights up the entire Sky.’