Love as Brethren – Don’t be Rude

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren …” 1 Peter 3v8 (KJV)

1 Corinthians 13v5 tells us that love “Doth not behave itself unseemly…” (KJV); “It does not dishonor others…” (NIV); “…is not rude (unmannerly) …” (AMP); “…Doesn’t force itself on others, …” (MSG). It’s amazing that love is depicted in this manner. Basically, if we are walking in love, we shouldn’t be rude, dishonor people, behave unmannerly, or force ourselves on others. Wow! Rude could mean “discourteous or impolite, especially in a deliberate way: a rude reply; insulting or uncivil; discourteous; impolite: he was rude about her hairstyle” (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rude?s=t). Unseemly could mean “not seemly; not in keeping with established standards of taste or proper form; unbecoming or indecourous in appearance, speech, conduct, etc.: an unseemly act; unseemly behavior; inappropriate for time or place: an unseemly hour” (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/unseemly?s=t). How do you react when someone upsets or offends you? Rudeness can have an effect on other people’s esteem. How do you relate with your brethren, your family, friends, loved ones? Our God is not rude. He is a loving God - in His speech, the way He addresses us, cares for us and comforts us. He is a Gentleman. In fact, Ephesians 4v29 (NIV) says “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Supplementary Text

“There will be a highway called the Holy Road. No one rude or rebellious is permitted on this road. It’s for God’s people exclusively – impossible to get lost on this road. Not even fools can get lost on it. No lions on this road, no dangerous wild animals – Nothing and no one dangerous and threatening. Only the redeemed will walk on it. The people God has ransomed will come back on this road. They’ll sing as they make their way home to Zion, unfading halos of joy encircling their heads, Welcomed home with gifts of joy and gladness as all sorrows and sighs scurry into the night.” Isaiah 35v8-10 (MSG)

Father, I thank You for Your love for me. You are kind to me in word, thought and deed. Help me to love and not be rude or unmannerly in Jesus name, amen.