Civility
2020 has been quite a year. From the pandemic to riots and protests and the election coming up, there are many people, fueled by anger and frustration, making decisions and posting statements on social media and in our workplaces. We are blaming, shaming and unfriending over all sorts of issues. We are quick to respond to opposing views, but we have to remember the words of James 1:19-20, “be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” We can also take to heart what the writer of Proverbs 16:32 says: “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
Dignity
The Jews are God’s chosen people, God’s only chosen people before Christ. After Christ, it is those who accept Jesus as His Son and promised Messiah that are God’s chosen people. Peter told Cornelius along with a large group of people, “…I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” (Acts 10:34-35) As Christians, whatever we say and do must be spiritually edifying so as not to create barriers to those who have differing opinions.
Humility
You’re in a lively discussion with a friend when the two of you disagree on a topic. What do you do? Persist in the discussion by citing references to prove your point until your friend gives up and says you’re right? What if you suddenly realize you’re wrong? Will you admit it? What if you know you’re right but this friendship is worth more than your being right? We’re told by Paul in Philippians 2:3-5 NLT, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
Unity
You’re in a lively discussion with a friend when the two of you disagree on a topic. What do you do? Persist in the discussion by citing references to prove your point until your friend gives up and says you’re right? What if you suddenly realize you’re wrong? Will you admit it? What if you know you’re right but this friendship is worth more than your being right? We’re told by Paul in Philippians 2:3-5 NLT, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”