The Best Reason to Live with Good Manners Now

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Do you remember when your parents taught you the importance of having good manners?

Lately, I’ve been wondering if we’ve lost some of our courteous social behaviors over the years.

I learned years ago that…

“Good Manners” show respect, care, and consideration. Being kind and courteous helps the recipient feel respected and appreciated, and the doer feel positive about themselves.

Everyone wants to be treated with respect. It feels like recording our offenses has become a popular sport. But if we are all focused on our own feelings, we will forget to treat others the way we would like to be treated.

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard someone say or read the words, “If I don’t look out for myself, no one else will!”

But Jesus said…

Whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them.

Matthew 7:12 (CSB)

I believe He’s saying, “Don’t wait for others, take the initiative. Be caring and courteous first.”

Peter wrote…

All of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

1 Peter 3:8 (NIV)

Based on experience, I believe that the more I focus on showing respect, kindness, and concern for other people, the happier I am.

Self-absorption does not create a happy heart!

So, what are some good manners for us to follow?

I’m here to share some things that were important when I was growing up, and some that Rev and I emphasized in our family.

1. Look people in the eye and share your smile generously.
2. Be quick to say “please” and “thank you.”
3. Be generous with kindness and encouragement. (If you think something complimentary, say it out loud.)
4. Listen to understand, not to respond.
5. The tone you use is as important as your words.
6. Never make your criticism degrading; always show humility and respect.
7. Look for opportunities to be kind and helpful.
8. Be on time.
9. Don’t gossip or intentionally embarrass anyone.
10. Make every effort to look and act your best.

Paul also wrote…

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:10 (NIV)

That’s good manners!

It’s as simple as caring about the needs and feelings of the people around us. And I can only imagine the difference it might make if God’s people were known for their kindness, compassion, encouragement, and good manners.

So, what’s the best reason to live with good manners?

It blesses the one who receives and the one who does. It builds a community based on care, kindness, and compassion.

And as Rev would say, “That sounds downright Biblical!”

Let’s pray…

A Prayer to Live with Good Manners

Heavenly Father, please forgive us. We are prone to self-focus and feeling offended. We rush from task to task, lost in our own thoughts, while failing to really see the people around us.

Jesus told us to show the world Your love by loving one another well. Oh, how the enemy works in us and around us to keep us from loving as You desire. I’m sorry for the part I have played in that.

Living with good manners is seeing everyone as a person dearly loved by You. It is slowing down long enough to notice their needs and help when we can. It can be as simple as smiling and holding a door, speaking with kindness, and using words like “please” and “thank you.”

You want us to be helpful and encouraging. You want us to love like Jesus, and even gave us a clear definition through the words of Paul. “ Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail.” (1 Corinthians 13:4–7 GNT)

Please fill me with the power and strength of Your Spirit so that I can fight my sinful, selfish nature and live with good manners, showing the world Your love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

One of my favorite quotes concerning manners is from Emily Post:

“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.”

Another from Lillian Gish:

“You can get through life with bad manners, but it’s easier with good manners.”

And finally, advice from the Apostle Paul…

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Colossians 4:6

Let’s challenge ourselves this week to really notice the people around us. See them all as individuals who are dearly loved by God, placed in our lives to love with kindness and respect.

May the Lord give you everything you need to bless others with your good manners.

Remember, our goal is to shine the light of God’s love. I promise, you will be blessed as well.

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