The Unspoken Virtue of Courteous Love
When we think of love, we often focus on grand gestures and sweeping romantic acts. But what about the everyday, often-overlooked aspects of love? The apostle Paul reminds us that love is not just about grandiose displays, but also about the small, yet significant, ways we treat others. In 1 Corinthians 13:5, he writes, “Love does not behave rudely.”
Rudeness, in all its forms, is the antithesis of love. It’s the parking space snatcher, the mocking tone, the interrupting voice. It’s the opposite of everything Christ embodied. Jesus was the epitome of courtesy – patient, thoughtful, and respectful in his interactions with others.
The word “courteous” holds a fascinating secret. The first five letters spell out “court,” a nod to the royal courts of old England. In those days, the king’s family and servants were expected to uphold a higher standard of behavior, reflecting the dignity of the monarch. As followers of the King of Kings, shouldn’t we strive for the same level of excellence?
Representing the King
As we go about our daily lives, we have a choice to make. Will we emulate the rudeness that surrounds us, or will we choose to reflect the courteous love of Christ? By doing so, we become ambassadors of the King, demonstrating a higher standard of behavior that honors Him.
In a world where rudeness often seems to reign supreme, let’s make a conscious effort to cultivate courteous love. Let’s treat others with respect, kindness, and patience, just as Christ would. By doing so, we’ll not only create a more harmonious world, but we’ll also reflect the very character of our King.
Leave a Reply