Politeness (Ephesians 5v.25)

When we look at the fruits of the Spirit as listed in Galatians, being polite does not get thrown in the mix. In fact, as far as I know, the idea of politeness isn't exactly hit upon too much in the Bible. We see verses such as "Do unto others..." and then the fruits of the Spirit (which would seemingly point to being polite) as well as verses on being meek and being servants to others. All of these would, in my opinion, point to us being polite in our daily lives. It's a whole lot easier to glorify Christ in helping others rather than being a jerk!

One verse that should be focused on, though, when it comes to talking about being polite is Ephesians 5v.25. This verse doesn't just apply to us being polite, but rather to how we, as men, should love our wives and give ourselves up for them. One of the most powerful sermons I ever heard over this text was given by Dr. Ligon Duncan (Head Pastor at First Presbyterian, Jackson, MS) at T4G (Together for the Gospel) this past summer. As men, we are called to love our wives just as Christ loved the Church. When we think about this and the ramifications it has for us... Christ giving Himself completely, wholly, even to the point of death, we can understand a little bit more about giving to our wives (and even others), not just being polite. In light of that scripture, "polite" is a light word when it comes to serving our wives. But, I think that this can bear others in mind, as well. So, if we love others with this kind of power, we are going to just give more and more of ourselves.

When we know how we're supposed to serve, lead, and carry on as Believers and men, we understand that being polite is not just what we're "supposed" to do as Christians. It is an example of how we're to glorify Christ in our day-to-day living.