A Kind, Courteous Christian?

I heard this quote recently in a message at a youth camp and it got me thinking about what it really means.

…A kind, courteous Christian is the most powerful argument that can be produced in favor of Christianity.  {GW 122.1}

If a kind and courteous Christian is the most powerful argument in favor of Christianity then shouldn’t our example be winning souls for Christ’s kingdom?

So what does it really mean to be a kind and courteous Christian?

The Bible doesn’t mention these two words a lot but I found a couple of verses.

In Ephesians chapter four and verse thirty two it says, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”  If we are to forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us, then we should be kind as Christ was too, right?                         

I looked at a definition of kind, Having a benevolent, courteous, friendly, generous, gentle, liberal, sympathetic or warm-hearted nature or disposition, marked by consideration for – and service to – others. All these characteristics are important but the one that stood out to me was ‘consideration for – and service to – others.’ This is really a characteristic that can make a big impact on people especially when we live in a very inward focused world. We could almost sum up the definition of kind with the words, ‘Love thy neighbour as thyself’ couldn’t we?

But Jesus says in Matthew chapter five verses forty three to forty eight, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?  And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” To love our neighbour as one’s self is one thing but Jesus says to love our enemies. He just said love your neighbour as thyself so when he says love your enemies, he would be meaning love our enemies as one’s self right? So could the definition of kind be ‘to love one’s enemies as his own self?’

The word courteous is only mention once in the bible. The bible says in first Peter chapter three and verse eight, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:” Courteous is in this list along with compassion and love which is basically being kind right?

I also looked at the definition of courteous, showing regard or thought for others; especially, displaying good manners or etiquette. One thing that stuck out to me in this definition was ‘regard or thought for others’ this seems to be a common thread through these thoughts I have been looking at.

If I was to sum up in two words what my definition of a kind, courteous Christian was; it would be ‘others focused.’

Let us all aspire through Christ to be more focused on others and less on ourselves.

What is your opinion of a kind, courteous Christian; let us know in the comments.

Keep the faith,

Luke