Reflection
We have the standard from Christ, “By this shall all know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another”. That love is shown outwardly by our civility and courtesy to each other. Civility acknowledges the value of another person. It is a way of living showing thoughtfulness, consideration, and respect for others. If the public practice of incivility has infiltrated our homes and our lives, we really cannot blame the culture. We have to blame ourselves for not living up to the standard we profess. Now more than ever in our nation we need a revival of civility in both private and public interactions among people.
Prayer
Set a guard over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3
Action
Refuse to use language that deems or humiliates another person or group of people whether they be present or absent. Make it clear that such terminology is not acceptable in your presence. By choice offset the incivility evident daily privately and publicly.
Suggested Reading
The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted.
Proverbs 10:32
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35
I know no religion that destroys courtesy, civility, and kindness.
William Penn
It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.
Albert Einstein
We have a choice about how we behave, and that means we have the choice to opt for civility and grace.
Dwight Currie
Civility does not mean the mere outward gentleness of speech cultivated for the occasion, but an inborn gentleness and desire to do the opponent good.
Mahatma Gandhi
Political civility is not about being polite to each other. It’s about reclaiming the power of ‘We the People’ to come together, debate the common good and call American democracy back to its highest values amid our differences.
Parker Palmer
Aspire to decency. Practice civility toward one another. Admire and emulate ethical behavior wherever you find it. Apply a rigid standard of morality to your lives; and if, periodically, you fail as you surely will adjust your lives, not the standards.
Ted Koppel
Good manners reflect something from inside-an innate sense of consideration for others and respect for self.
Emily Post
Civility means a great deal more than just being nice to one another. It is complex and encompasses learning how to connect successfully and live well with others, developing thoughtfulness, and fostering effective self-expression and communication. Civility includes courtesy, politeness, mutual respect, fairness, good manners, as well as a matter of good health. Taking an active interest in the well-being of our community and concern for the health of our society is also involved in civility.
M. Forni