Love Is Not Rude

Rudeness shows itself in our speech and actions towards others. It consists of inappropriate words spoken or disrespectful behavior.  Rudeness may show itself in an unwillingness to accept tradition, or in not caring about offending others by what we say.  It also shows itself in selfish ambition and in a disinterest in helping others.  Some of us, when we are not at ease in a situation, may unintentionally be rude or even deliberately offensive. 

In recovery we attempt to focus our minds on those things that will help us develop healthy relationships with one another.  Rather than isolating ourselves from people or events where we feel awkward, we need to learn what is expected in certain situations and become cooperative. We also need to let go of offhand remarks and gossip about those who follow traditions we are not familiar with.  Consideration and kindness in all our words and actions will go a long way to helping us establish lasting friendships. 

Don’t mistreat someone who has mistreated you. But try to earn the respect of others, and do your best to live at peace with everyone.  (Romans 12:17-18 CEV)

Love is never rude.  The Bible tells us that we will reap what we sow.  Who among us wants to reap disrespect or humiliation?  Let’s make it a point to take personal inventory each day and choose to change the things we can, especially if we have a tendency to be uncaringly rude.

My prayer for you is that you will overflow more and more with love for others, and at the same time keep on growing in spiritual knowledge and insight.  (Philippians 1:9 TLB)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Please help me to let go of those things that are part of my corrupt nature, especially rudeness.  Help me to treat my friends and neighbours with respect and compassion and truly love and care for them as You love and care for me.  Amen

©2022 Partners in Hope