Theme: "And Love Is...?" (1 Cor. 13:4-7)

Encountered Rudeness Lately?

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 we have described for us what love is and what it is not.  It is patient,

kind, it is not envious, not boastful, not proud, it is not rude, is not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, etceteras.  

Paul says love IS NOT RUDE.  Webster defines rude or rudeness as a deliberate lack of consideration of another person’s feelings by actions or words.

I have been both on the receiving and giving end of rudeness.  I can't think of any situation that justifies a child of God by words or actions being rude to another person.  The Golden Rule reminds us that we are to "Do unto others as you would have them do to us” or "Treat others in the same manner you would want to be treated".

Some people justify rudeness as "righteous indignation" and can justify it in their minds even though it does not appear to be winsome to those witnessing it.

Some scriptures that come to mind that speak against rudeness are:

Philippians 4:5 – Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Ephesians 4:29 – Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.

1 Peter 3:9 – Do not repay evil with evil, or insult with insult, but give a blessing instead because to this you were called.

1 Peter 4:11 – If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.

Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. 

Not anywhere in any of these scriptures is rudeness justified as a characteristic of a child of God.  We must always remember that "He who does not love does not know God for God is love."  Rudeness and love are very much on different ends of the spectrum from each other.

  

I think 1 Corinthians chapter 13 is one of the greatest chapters in the bible.  It reminds me that no matter what we do it is in vain if love isn’t in our thoughts and ways.   

"Our Heavenly Father, thank you for your love, grace, and mercy towards us.  We pray for strength as we strive to be the children that you have called us to be.  Father, forgive us for times  when we have been rude in speech or action towards others.  May we witness a sweet and loving spirit to those we come in contact with every day.  Through Jesus our Lord and Savior we ask it all. Amen.      

Rusty Rose
Stephenville, Texas