Are you sure?
This bookmark will be removed from all folders and any saved notes will be permanently removed.
Be courteous
Originally appeared on spirituality.com
“Be courteous”—I heard this phrase during a recent church service. The topic of the sermon was “Love.” I went expecting to hear the Bible passages I’ve come to know and cherish on that subject, but those two simple words from I Peter in the Bible gave me pause.
Immediately I was reminded of an article I’d read just days before in The Christian Science Monitor (Jan.23, 2006) about a program Prime Minister Tony Blair is initiating in Britain. It’s called the “Respect Agenda.” It is meant to target antisocial behavior that Mr. Blair feels is one of the country’s largest problems. From verbal abuse to mindless violence, many believe a lack of civility is a growing problem.
So when I heard “be courteous” at church, I realized this is not just an issue of social civility. It’s a societal hurt calling out for healing. And there is a spiritual requirement for each us to do our part.
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
About the author
Rebecca Odegaard is a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
