Be kind and compassionate to one another.
Ephesians 4:31
When civility is lost, what does the church do? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines civility as a polite act or expression. And the loss of civil behavior between ethnicities, generations, and even individuals represents a direct disregard of the common value that should be placed on every life.
This culture tends to jettison civility for the sake of a platform, point, grievance, or in an attempt to benefit personal notoriety. But, against such destructive cultural norms, what should the church do?
First, and foremost, we prioritize the love of Jesus in our own lives. We must live “loved and forgiven”, because we are indeed! And we must genuinely extend that same love to everyone. This love expresses grace and mercy, without agreeing with any wrongful act or attitude. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us,
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Second, we make the most of every conversation. We must allow the love of Christ to thoroughly condition the words we speak. There is no room in the witness of a Christian for negative quips that publicly attack others. Such language stands in direct contrast to the love Christ offers.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)
What salt is to food, grace is to our speech. May every word we share (speaking or writing) be both a demonstration and a proclamation of the grace of Jesus Christ.
Third, we prioritize the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all things. Peter encouraged,
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (I Peter 3:15)
The Gospel message is a message of love and grace. A message of God’s kindness and mercy. We should clearly speak the words of the Gospel. And when not speaking the literal words, our lives should be so filled with the kindness of Jesus that the influence of the Gospel remains obvious.
Fourth, we guard our social reactions. This becomes a vital and reasonable discipline of the follower of Jesus. The ease of social media and the accessibility of a public platform causes many to speak or post without deep consideration of the impact of the expressed words. So may we pause, may we not react in tirades that dismiss the Spirit of Christ, and may we love well. We certainly can speak up and speak out, but not at the cost of confusing, deluding, or misrepresenting the pure love of Jesus. So be careful. And in the words of James,
“Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)
Do not react when emotionally provoked by the publicly expressed words of another. Take time to listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice so that you respond with Jesus and not yourself.
Finally (fifth), we approach every person in a spirit of service. We are never more like Jesus than when we lay down our lives for another. Do you sense divisions among you? Are there those acting negatively toward you? Serve them. Honor Jesus by loving them in tangible ways. Jesus said,
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
This proves you are a child of God, and this beautifully demonstrates the sacrificial love of Jesus.
So, what do we do when civility is lost? We love, serve, and edify all others with the right speech, the right attitudes, and the right actions.
Amid the hatred and animosity of a fallen world, be the sweet and powerful presence of Jesus. I believe you will see lives changed right before your eyes. And, for this we praise our Lord.
Blessings.
READ
Read Ephesians 4:17-32 and be encouraged to live out the love of our Savior.
