It’s Just Plain Rude to Be Rude
If you watched a recording of how you relate to people in a typical week, what would you see? A G-rated family flick? Or a movie you wouldn’t want your pastor to see?
If you’re like most of us, you might discover things about yourself you wish weren’t true, such as being short with people more often than you realized. Or how often you try to hide an eye roll.
Perhaps you didn’t realize how far off the mark you were until you read 1 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV).
[Love is not] rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.
Rude behavior runs contrary to what 1 Corinthians 13 teaches. As people who desire to love as Christ loves us, let’s discuss how rudeness affects our relationships, and, thereby, our lives.
Rudeness can undermine relationships at work, in our community, in our churches – and, most often, in our homes. Just as the temperature drops when a cold front moves into our area, so does the warmth of a relationship – dropping degree by degree – when we practice rudeness. If we want to rekindle the flames, we must stop excusing our offensive behavior.
What would happen if we gave God permission to show us …
Each time we interrupted someone because we felt like our words were more worthy than theirs? Each time we seized the remote because our viewing choices seemed better than our spouse’s? Each time we didn’t take time to listen to our coworkers because we’re too busy?
Each time we “snark” someone on social media because we didn’t agree with their opinion?
Rudeness can be hard to overcome, especially when it’s ingrained in our personalities. But as we confess it as sin and ask God to help us change, we’ll move in the right direction.
Even when we don’t do it perfectly, we can celebrate the times we get it right. Rather than becoming discouraged when we mess up, let’s repent to God and to the person we’ve treated rudely, and vow to try again.
Every time. Even if this means every hour – or every five minutes.
The more we take control of our rudeness, the nicer we’ll become. Then our lives will not only make for a family-friendly recording, it’ll also allow others to see our Savior at work in us.
What do you think?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Others might also benefit from your comment.)
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Many years ago God used an accidental recording of me talking to my young daughter in a very abrupt and rude manner to bring this failing to my attention. I was shocked at how abrasive I sounded. I still call this to mind when I catch myself falling into rudeness. Thank you for this reminder. All of us can afford to be kind -and the whole world is thirsting for a cup of kindness.
Hi, Paula. It’s so nice to see you again! THANK you, once again, for your candor. I love your last sentence: All of us can afford to be kind -and the whole world is thirsting for a cup of kindness.
I’m glad you stopped by and hope you’ll do it again often.
Thank you for sharing Paula. We should all be so fortunate to recognize our unloving behavior. It is good that you were so teachable and your conscience convicted you. I pray you and your daughter were able to find healing and grow closer together. Parents often times don’t recognize the importance of being kind to their children. Above all we need to treat our children with respect.
True, Barbara. I, too, appreciate – and admire – Paula’s teachable heart.
Wow!,I love your last sentiments”All of us can afford to be kind”.I wish my husband could read this!
Hi, Linda! I believe this is your first time dropping by Today Can Be Different. It’s SO nice to see you. (I also appreciate your faithful comments on these devotions posted on Facebook.)
Your comment indicates the pain you must be experiencing in your marriage, Linda. I’m so sorry. I will continue to pray for you.
Such an important reminder Sheryl. Thanks. This is one area it seems so easy to fall back on. We tend to react to other peoples moods at times. But when we’re in the right frame of mind and purposeful in our walk it’s easier to respond graciously to rude behavior. Especially when we remember that the root of anger is hurt. We can make such a difference when we respond graciously. And we feel so much better about ourselves.
Great insight, Barbara, on several levels!!
Thank you for stopping by again. I ALWAYS appreciate it when you do.
Well, thankfully I learned. I used to think I had the gift of snark. Fortunately God in his mercy showed me it was no gift from Him.
Haha, Barbara. That is such an honest – and a bit humorous (in a way) – observation. Thank you!
Also, I want to thank you, thank you, thank you for also responding to another person’s (Paula) comment. It is my hope that we’ll see more interactions on Today Can Be Different.
We do need to remember to always be kind and gentle. We live in such a harsh and shocking world. What a testimony if christians really conducted themselves this way. Myself included.
Me too, Barbara. I’m often embarrassed when my attitude shows. 🙁