MANNERS & GRACIOUSNESS: So that there is no division or discord or lack of adaptation ( of the parts of the body to each other ), but the members all alike have a mutual interest in & care for one another. ( 1 Corinthians 12:25 AMP ) WHAT ARE GOOD MANNERS? The dictionary says it is polite social behavior. Graciousness is characterized by showing kindness & compassion, being thoughtful of others. Marcus, one of our extended family in Dallas, is a true Kentucky gentleman. He offered us this list to define a real man of GOD: 1. A gentleman is committed to pursuing the character of GOD in his life. 2. He sees & finds a need, then fills it without being asked. 3. He volunteers his services with a willing heart. ( He holds an umbrella for a woman during a rainstorm, pulls back her chair for her at the table, opens the car door for her.) 4. He should not be discouraged if his politeness as a gentleman is rejected by a woman who is not used to being treated honorably. 5. He unconditionally accepts people, is kind & considerate of everyone. 6. He is a good communicator & asks questions for accuracy in phone calls, letters, messages. He takes other peoples feelings into account. He addresses people respectfully by proper names, makes eye contact in conversation--- both talking & listening. 7. He has a daily reading of the WORD & prayer time. He is knowledgeable of the Proverbs that will help him lead a blameless ethical life. 8. A gentleman knows who he is in CHRIST. 9. A gentleman is a servant, & a servant is a leader. He takes the lead with sensitivity as his guide. BIBLICAL CUSTOMS SET EXAMPLES: Being considerate of others seems to have been in GODs plan from the beginning for instance, when Abraham encountered his three special guests---sent from GOD---he eagerly greeted them & offered hospitality. We read in Genesis 18 how Abraham: ---- hurried to meet them;----- had water brought to wash their tired , dirty feet; --- offered them rest under his tree; --- invited them to stay & eat a meal. Rushing into his tent, he told Sarah to make some bread while he picked a choice calf for his servant to prepare for their unexpected guests. Abraham was offering hospitality in a typical Middle Eastern fashion, expressing good manners. Notice that the husband here directed the hospitality. It was a joint effort, however, as the most gracious hospitality always is ! Our American manners, have been much maligned @ home & abroad, where too often we confirm the charge of ugly Americans. Let us consider how we can change that image... ~ Quin Sherrer A Christian Womans Guide to Hospitality Amen & A-M-E-N !!!
Posted on: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 20:39:17 +0000
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