Love Is Not Rude

Being rude refers to words or actions that are improper, impolite, or crude, and have the intent to offend or put down a person or a group that the offender disagrees with. The Lord Jesus told us to love one another as He has loved us therefore, we should never by our words or actions humiliate others, regardless of their position, their viewpoint, or their religion. 

You must love one another, just as I have loved you. If you love one another, everyone will know you are my disciples. (John 13:34b-35 NIRV)

Seeing the insanity of our lifestyle in addiction, others may have made rude remarks about how we looked or behaved and our retort right back at them was likely rude with maybe a few swear words thrown in. We were offended and defensive because even in our insane world their words hurt.  Words can so easily be weapons that wound. 

Sometimes being rude is an attempt to make ourselves look bigger or better in the eyes of those around us.  However, rudeness is not in keeping with the life we are regaining with God and, if we are prone to being rude, we need to ask God to remove this defect of character.  Prejudice against others often causes a person to speak crude words or make inappropriate gestures.  Gentle words and wise actions will weaken the stronghold of discrimination. 

In the past we lived as we wanted but now God has called us to live His principles in all our affairs.  That means being kind and compassionate towards one another and living the principle that, “Love is never rude”.

Prayer: Gracious God, Forgive me for times I have spoken rudely to others.  Please help me speak with kind words that build others up and never use words that would tear them down. Amen

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