Today as we look at courtesy as one of the foundational characteristics of love, we are going to discuss practical ways to speak with courtesy. We’ve discussed attitudes of courtesy, and actual ways to demonstrate a courteous response this week. Today we are going to talk about speaking with courtesy. As we well know, the words we speak have the power of life or death. We can lift and build, or we can devalue and destroy with the words that come out of our mouth. As disciples, who are known by our love, our words should always be to lift and encourage. We should practice courtesy with our words. Here are some practical ways to do that.
1) Be the initiator of a conversation – Find some common ground with someone and start a conversation. You are saying to them that they are valuable, and worth knowing.
2) Give undivided attention – When you make eye contact with a person, your mind is less likely to wander, and you are communicating that you value the other person.
3) Listen for understanding – Take time to discover what the person is trying to communicate before you respond. When you do disagree, express your views as a friend or as a team mate, not as an enemy or someone who is trying to win.
4) Soft tones turn away wrath – the Bible says just that! When we raise our voice, or name call, or use harsh, condemning words, we are not operating in courtesy.
5) When you disagree, do it gracefully – We can reject ideas, without rejecting people.
6) Apologize when needed – it’s not too late to apologize! When we do speak rudely, a sincere apology will deepen and mend a relationship rather than destroy it.
Let the words of my mouth be courteous oh Lord! We can say that and pray that, and live it!
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