Which Bible Says Social Service And Kenoota

Question

What does the Bible say about etiquette / manners?

Bible etiquette, Bible manners

Answer

Etiquette is a set of specific rules designed to ensure polite behavior in a grouping or within a civilization. When someone knows and follows the expected rules for behavior, we say that person has adept etiquette or good manners. Office of being properly socialized within a culture is learning what that civilization considers acceptable behavior in dining, chat, and attire. Proper etiquette can vary from culture to culture, and so it is important for foreigners, missionaries, and anyone hoping to reach across cultural lines to study the manners of that culture. The Bible gives some solid guidelines about practicing etiquette and developing good manners.

The basic standard for Christian behavior is ane Corinthians x:31, which says, "So whether you swallow or beverage or whatever you exercise, do it all for the glory of God." When our goal is to honour the Lord in every mode, we remain aware that nosotros represent Him everywhere we become. Whether sitting in a church building service, shopping at the mall, or working at our jobs, we tin can do so for the glory of God. When we carry the reputation of Jesus with usa, our behavior affects the way others see Him. For one of God'due south servants to exist perceived as rude and uncivilized would exist dishonoring to the Lord. Adept etiquette is one way we tin can remove social barriers and create a connectedness with people who need to hear the gospel.

Paul traveled across many cultures in sharing the gospel and planting churches. He wrote that "I have become all things to all men, then that I may by all means save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22). The idiom "When in Rome, exercise as the Romans practise" encapsulates that thought. Slurping soup in one culture is thought rude, while in another information technology shows appreciation to the melt. Handshake etiquette varies from culture to culture as well. Firm grips in America may translate as aggression to a Middle Easterner who is accustomed to hugs and kisses on the cheek. Our goal as Christians is to give the least corporeality of personal offense by the manner we behave within a civilization, while paving the way for the sharing of God'due south truth.

Spoken communication is another way we tin either show proper etiquette or bring offense. Ephesians 4:29 relates God's expectation for speech communication: "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, just just such a word as is expert for edification according to the need of the moment, so that information technology volition give grace to those who hear." That standard harmonizes with the injunction that there exist no "filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place" (Ephesians 5:4). We can offend past our words equally easily as we tin offend past our actions, then learning culturally advisable verbal skills is a office of having proficient etiquette.

Every bit believers in Jesus Christ, we have been entrusted with the message of reconciliation (ii Corinthians v:19), and we should deliver that message graciously, with skillful manners: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks y'all to give the reason for the promise that you have. Merely do this with gentleness and respect" (i Peter iii:fifteen). In that location is no excuse for a Christian who is knowingly rude to others, especially during his presentation of the gospel. Bad manners and poor etiquette are distractions to the message we bear. The cross of Christ is naturally offensive to the unsaved world (1 Corinthians ane:23). If an offense must come, it should come up from the message, not from the messenger.

Etiquette is more fussy rules laid down by stuffy people; etiquette is the oil that lubricates club and reduces the friction of interpersonal relationships. When nosotros view etiquette every bit a means by which we earn the correct to speak into people's lives, nosotros become more sensitive to the way we present ourselves. Nosotros see our behaviors, from tabular array manners to telling jokes, as instruments that either attract or distance others. Jesus is our model. He came to earth and took on our dress, customs, and manners in order to lead us to God (Philippians ii:5–8). Equally His followers, we should see etiquette as a way to follow in His footsteps.

Render to:
Topical Bible Questions

What does the Bible say nigh etiquette / manners?

This page concluding updated: Jan four, 2022