Don’t you think we should still teach our children to say, “Please” and “Thank you”?

Surely being curious is still valuable, right?

Earlier this week, I heard a dad call for his little girl and she responded with “Yes, sir”. I noticed it right away and thought about how respectful it was for her to respond to her father that way. It’s true that if you learn to be respectful and courteous as a child you are more likely to be that way when you get older.

Do we realize how being a nice person creates harmony and builds positive relationships within families. Dads and husbands need to be challenged to be nicer. Moms and wives need to be challenged to be friendlier. Children need to be challenged to more courteous. Everyone needs to say, “please” and “thank you”. It’s the right thing to do.

Sometimes, I wonder if we are nicer to strangers than we are to our own families. We need to change that though, because being courteous creates an environment in the family where each member feels valued and understood. Imagine if that was the case in your family how much better it would be. It allows the family to enjoy mutual respect and cooperation. When you are a nice person at home is shows that you understand how to demonstrate dignity towards everyone everywhere else because at home it’s easier to get comfortable and sometimes you can easily be mean and grouchy towards the people you love the most because you are most comfortable around them. But that all needs to change. Being friendly, courteous, and respectful can be a challenge for some of us but all of those behaviors are Christian behaviors backed up by the Bible. See for yourself. Check out these four verses that remind us of the value of being a nice person.

  1. Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
  2. Colossians 3:12 – So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience;
  3. 1 Peter 3:8 – To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
  4. Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;

I challenge you… the rest of the week. Try your best to be courteous and friendly to everyone you are around and especially your family. It’s the right thing to do.

For the Lord,

Alex Mills

Youth & Family Involvement Minister