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Corinthians 13:4-8a
I
am reminded of rude behavior daily as I watch the sparing going on in various
Social Media networks. Somebody posts a
benign comment or opinion and individuals jump all over it by posting rude and offensive
comments. Tempers flare and the fight
begins. Disparaging remarks about race
and tactics causing division is so unfortunate and prevalent in today’s society.
This
unbecoming behavior being modeled by adults is now being mirrored in our
country’s children. As a child, I
remember the social graces instilled in me barred any discourteous comments or
conduct toward another grownup. There
was no tolerance for rude manners.
Today
is different. Teachers experience
impolite actions of students in their classroom. Store owners hear the inappropriate speech by
kids who want to disrupt their customers. Public display of disrespect is widespread. Even on the sitcoms we watch on TV we hear
puns made at the expensive of others. Under
the auspice of humor we hear cutting remarks and condescending tones with arguments,
by both children and adults, fueling the flame.
This rude conduct has become acceptable.
As
Christians, the way we treat people has a direct correlation on how we mirror our
Lord. The love spoken of in this verse reflects
and adheres to the principals found in His Word and is demonstrated through our
respect and dignity toward others. God doesn’t
want us to dampen the spirits of those around us. In fact, He forever encourages us to place
the needs of others first.
God is glorified by the way we lead our lives…the
more we get to know Christ, the more we allow Christ’s LOVE to flow out of us.
When we are polite and thoughtful it takes the spot light off of
ourselves and demonstrates love for those nearby. When was the last time you let someone behind
you in a grocery line go before you? Do
you find yourself so stuck on your own needs that you can’t possibly rearrange
your schedule to fit in with another’s? In
your conversations with your friends and family, do you contemplate how you can
get “one-up” on them?
The
evidence shown is a direct correlation to our level of faith. “Even
so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a
bad tree bear good fruit. Every
tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore
by their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:17-20 (NKJV).
What
kind of fruit is growing on your tree?
Forever
His,
Anita
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