Be Gracious To Others
In case you haven’t noticed, some folks are just downright rude! Unless you are a social recluse and your interactions with others are quite rare, you have likely experienced the ugly side of humanity far too many times. Sometimes it is a hostile PTA meeting. Other times it is that un-friendly coworker at the office who always has a snarky remark to share. It could even be an angry driver who cuts you off in traffic. It might even be a cashier with a sour scowl across their face. Then there’s the brutal comment section on Facebook—yikes! There is seemingly no shortage of scenarios like these which happen around the world each day. We are living in an age of rudeness, and it can be challenging for those who want to be like Jesus. Not only can such experiences do a number on our blood pressure, but they can tempt us to fire back and be rude right along with the foulest of them all. However, as satisfying as that sounds, such is not the way of the man from Galilee. On the contrary, we can make a huge footprint in this world if we would simply learn how to be more gracious, considerate, and gentle.
The apostle Paul grasped the impact of a gracious disposition! As he was concluding his prison letter to the church at Philippi, he said, “let your reasonableness be known to every-one” (Philippians 4:5 ESV). The original Greek word behind the word “reasonableness” is not very easy to translate. There is a wide variety of variants among the mainline English translations in Philippians 4:5. For example, the American Standard Version has the word “forbearance”, whereas the New American Standard Bible has the phrase “gentle spirit.” The King James Version has the word “moderation”, but the New King James Version has the word “gentleness.” The Christian Standard Bible has the word “graciousness.” Despite the assortment of differences, the imagery is a gentle, gracious, and forbearing disposition. Many people are known for being harsh, critical, rude, and arrogant—the very antithesis to the attitude Paul illustrates in the book of Philippians. However, Christians are not rude, even when others are. The child of God is not critical, even though others may be. Knowing “the Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5) and always watching, Christians take the high road and strive to be gentle in their interactions with others.
The Bible echoes the sentiments of Paul time and again. Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek and be willing to go the second mile (Matthew 5:38-42). He also left us the perfect example; “when he was reviled, he did not revile in return” (1 Peter 2:23). Paul similarly challenged us to “live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18) and to “not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Anyone can respond to a difficult situation with angry words, a loud tone, and a hostile attitude. However, it takes a special person to simmer down, to try their hardest to understand, and to be willing to diffuse an escalating situation. Matching rudeness with rudeness will only breed conflict in our lives, and it will rob us of inner tranquility. So, if you want to experience “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) in 2021, take a few deep breaths and learn to be a little more gracious.
Brandon Baggett is a former Pulpit Minister for Eastern Meadows Church of Christ.
