"Please and Thank You" - Overcoming Rudeness

You have experienced it. I have experienced it. You open the door for a person at Wal-Mart or some other store, and they don't say "Thank you." You get mad and say, "People are so rude these days. It didn't use to be this way." This scenario has probably been replayed so many times in my life, that I almost expect others to be rude.

In other areas of life, rudeness tends to simply creep in. It is not obvious when it rears its ugly head. Usually, we become rude to those whom we are closest to. (Not intentionally though). It may begin with a husband and wife who have been married for five years. The husband has gotten so used to his wife's cooking that he fails to thank her for it any longer. On the other hand, his wife forgets to thank him for always taking the trash out. In their mind, those seemingly mundane chores are things that should be expected of one another.

And that is the scary and subtle story of rudeness, it sneaks in unexpectedly, leaving its recepient feeling unappreciated, and maybe even unloved.

The Bible informs us that love is "not rude" (1 Corinthians 13:5). A person who genuinely loving is polite, generous, and shows honor to those who are engaged in a good work. Rudeness has no part in a growing Christian's life.

Practical suggestions regarding rudeness

• Do not take others for granted. This is one of the hardest challenges of overcoming rudeness. Much of the time, rudeness is totally unintentional. Sometimes rudeness develops out of an attitude of "That's their job anyway." But if we take on an attitude of gratitude and humility, it will become far harder to devalue others for their kind gestures. - Philippians 2:1-5


• Determine to be polite, no matter what. In some circumstances, rudeness develops in retaliation to more rudeness. I don't know how many times I have heard people say, "you're welcome" just because someone failed to say"thank you." Are they accomplishing anything by imitating the rudeness of others. Show kindness and gentleness to all, even if they don't show it in return. - Matthew 5:39-44

God wants His people to be thoughtful and considerate. He is a Father who loves His children and is a practitioner of what He expects of us. He was thoughtful enough to send His Son. We should be thoughtful enough to reflect that love and consideration to others.

Be rude polite.