What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Practical Love and Courtesy in Interacting with Others"
Answer
True Christian courtesy and love spring from a heart in which Jesus reigns, and are manifested in kindness, compassion, and respect toward all people. Practical courtesy means easing the burdens of others through self‑less deeds, refraining from harsh replies, and even meeting the most difficult characters with tender sympathy. Since our behavior represents Christ, we should cultivate courtesy as an essential part of our character, beginning in the home and extending far beyond.
Christian Courtesy and Character Development
If we take a course toward our brothers other than one of kindness and courtesy, we are following an unchristian path. We should display courtesy at home, in the congregation, and in our dealings with all people. But especially we should show compassion and respect for those who devote their lives to the work of God. We should practice that precious love which is patient and kind... Where Jesus reigns in the heart, there will be sweet love, and we will be tender and faithful to one another.
The Danger of Lacking Courtesy
You should give no occasion for fault‑finding. A moment of irritability, a single harsh reply, the lack of Christian courtesy and consideration in a minor matter can lead to the loss of friends and of influence. God wants you to appear at your best under all circumstances – in the presence of those who are beneath you, as well as among peers and superiors.
Love as a More Effective Means Than Sermons
A friendly face that reflects love, together with kind and courteous manners, will achieve more apart from pulpit work than efforts at the lectern without these qualities. It is fitting for us to cultivate consideration for the judgments of others, since we are more or less absolutely dependent on one another. We should cultivate true Christian courtesy and tender compassion even for the roughest and hardest cases of humanity.
Self‑lessness and the Happiness of Life
Let us be self‑forgetful, always mindful of encouraging others and easing their burdens through acts of tender kindness and self‑less love. Let that unfriendly word remain unsaid; let selfish disregard for the happiness of others give way to loving concern. These attentive courtesies, which begin in the home and extend far beyond the domestic circle, contribute greatly to the sum of life's happiness.
The Essence of True Courtesy
True courtesy is not learned merely by practicing etiquette rules. Wherever principles are not at risk, consideration for others will lead to observing accepted customs; but true courtesy does not require sacrificing principles for convention. It disregards social distinctions. It teaches self‑respect, respect for the dignity of a person as a person, and consideration for every member of the great human brotherhood.
Courtesy as a Reflection of Christ
The Bible commands courtesy and presents many illustrations of the self‑less spirit, gentle grace, and winning nature that characterize true courtesy. These are merely reflections of Christ’s character. All genuine tenderness and courtesy in the world, even among those who do not acknowledge His name, come from Him.
- Christian Character Courtesy
- Love in Dealing with Others
- Christ’s Example of Kindness
Original Sources (English)
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