Monday, April 19, 2010

Practice Courtesy

For today's inspiration I wanted to share a little piece on common courtesy. Unfortunately, it has become very uncommon these days. The Bible says "Be courteous...that you may inherit a blessing."

Sometimes we're not sure how to go about pleasing God. The prophet Micah simplifies it: "What does the Lord require of you....to love kindness" (Mic 6:8). Could language be clearer? Here are ten "not so common" courtesies you should work on every day, and teach your children. After all, if they don't learn common courtesy from you, where are they going to learn it?

1) Go out of your way to speak to people. "Pleasant words are...healing" (Pr 16:24)

2) Try to remember their names - it shows you value them.

3) Smile. It increases your "face value".

4) Be friendly and helpful. If you do, people will return it. (See Pr 18:24)

5) Show genuine interest. You can find something good in almost anybody if you try. (See Php 4:8)

6) Be generous with your praise and cautious with your criticism.

7) Be slow to judge. There are 3 sides to every story - your side, their side, and the right side.

8) Instead of "using" others, serve them: "By love serve one another" (Gal 5:13)

9) Start trusting people - it builds lasting relationships.

10) Be humble. Oswald Chambers said, "When a saint becomes concious of being a saint, something has gone wrong."

Courtesy does two things: a) it speaks well of your parents and b) it determines your level of blessing.


When I first read this paragraph about a year ago, it really spoke to me. I sometimes feel that I don't portray courtesy to others. Not purposely, but I just never think about it so I'm sure I come off rude when I don't even mean to. I think we all need to make a conscious effort to be nicer to others. If everyone was nicer to each other, there would be a lot less stress in this world! What I did, was try to pick one of the things I just listed and concentrate on it for about a week. Then I would move to the next thing and try to do both for the next week and so on. It really makes you feel better and people will take notice. Have a wonderful day and week ya'll!! And remember, be courteous! :)

18 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post! I will try to do the things on this list today!

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  2. Great post girlie!! I so needed to hear that this morning! Hope your having a great day! xoxo

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  3. What a great list! I stopped to smile when I read #3. I do try to adhere to most of these daily but I need to work on not judging. That's a bad habit! Thanks for the reminder/inspiration.

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  4. This is a great post! I really needed this today b/c boy am I in a mood! I need to remember to be courteous to others even when they are hateful all.the.time! Hope you have a great week! ~andrea

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  5. What a beautiful post, so many wonderful quotes. I especially love #3, so true and love the play on words.

    Thanks for your sweet comment, I don't think the "Canvas" line of Lands End is at Sears, I think it's still online only for now. Let me know if you find out otherwise! :)

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  6. What a wonderful message! I agree - courtesy and kindness are so very important.

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  7. Thanks for this great reminder! It's easy to get caught up in daily life and forget these simple things...

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  8. I should be embarassed to admit this but I struggle so much with courtesy to those living under my same roof...why is that? Why do we treat those we love most with less than grace??? Working, working, working on it. Good post!

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  9. When I was growing up my Mom used to tell me that it costs nothing to be nice. This is a great post.

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  10. Love this post! I struggle with #3. If I'm focusing or thinking about something, I make this weird face and people think I'm mad, when I'm really not!! I love #6. Words to live by!!

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  11. This is so inspirational and I completely agree. I know I definitely need to remind myself to practice courtesy with others, especially when I'm so busy and preoccupied with my day. I especially need to work on #2. Thanks for the amazing list! xo

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  12. Great post! Good reminders to living well.

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  13. All of these are wonderful. I seriously think I'm going to print this out and keep it as a reminder. Thanks for a thoughtful post!

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  14. Love the reminder! Thanks so much for this inspiring post. :)

    I look forward to following you too. :)

    xoxo,
    Bonnie

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  15. I love this..."It speaks well of your parents." Amen! My mama most definitely raised me to be courteous and she would not be happy if I was anything but!

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