July 7, Christian courtesy.

The value of politeness is too little appreciated. Many who are naturally good do not manifest it in their manners. Among many of those who command respect through their sincerity and probity, friendliness is unfortunately lacking. This shortcoming compromises their happiness and diminishes the value of their service to others. Many of life’s sweeter and more useful experiences are too often foolishly sacrificed by those who lack politeness.

The Bible tells us of remarkable examples of politeness. Abraham was a man of God. In every place where he pitched his tent, he also built an altar on which sacrifices were offered, and he invited God to dwell with him. Abraham was courteous. His life was not tainted by selfishness, this defect abhorred by God. Notice Comment Abraham behaved towards Allotment and separated from him. Although Lot, his nephew, was much younger than him, Abraham, to whom it was primarily the right to choose the region of the country which should be possessed, had the shrewdness to renounce this right in favor of Lot. Notice with what deference the patriarch showed the three travelers, at the hottest time of the day, and how he hastened to provide for their needs. Notice how he gets closer to Heth’s sons and sells them a sepulchral possession to bury Sarah there. His affliction did not make him forget the rules of politeness. Although he was a prince of God, he bowed before them. Abraham knew what true politeness consisted of, and would comment on a man who should lead to his next neighbor.

We ourselves always remember, […] opportunities to encourage others, to ease their sorrows and burdens through acts of kindness and love. These delicate attentions, first manifested in our homes and extending to our neighborhood, make our lives happy.