The Radical Call to Christian Civility
A Deeper Kind of Respect
At its core, civility is often reduced to mere politeness or courtesy. We teach our children to say “please” and “thank you,” and we expect the same level of respect from others. However, true Christian civility demands more than just surface-level niceties.
Beyond Mere Politeness
Doctors Guy and Heidi Burgess, Co-Directors of the Conflict Research Consortium at the University of Colorado, aptly noted that civility must entail more than just good manners. It’s not enough to simply utter polite phrases while harboring resentment or hostility towards others. Jesus’ call to His followers goes far beyond this shallow understanding of civility.
A Life-Altering Standard
Jesus’ teachings on speech and lifestyle require a radical transformation, one that involves death to self and a commitment to authenticity and vulnerability. This is not a superficial exercise in diplomatic debate, but a fundamental shift in how we engage with others. When His disciples sought to defend Him with violence, Jesus rebuked them, demonstrating that true civility is not about winning arguments or asserting dominance.
Speaking the Truth in Love
The Apostle Paul reminds us that speaking the truth is essential, but it must be done in love (Ephesians 4:15). Christians will inevitably disagree among themselves and with others, but our words should be measured against the guidelines given to First Century Christians who lived in a hostile world.
A Higher Calling
In Romans 12:14-20, we’re commanded to bless those who persecute us, to feed our enemies when they’re hungry, and to give them drink when they’re thirsty. This is not a call to passive acquiescence, but to active, sacrificial love. As we strive to embody this radical kind of civility, we’ll find ourselves transformed, and our relationships with others will be revolutionized.
Embracing the Challenge
Will we answer Jesus’ call to a deeper kind of respect, one that goes beyond mere politeness and into the realm of authentic, selfless love? The fate of our relationships, our communities, and our world hangs in the balance.
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