Manners
Manners:
Manners are more significant than just being able to follow certain rules in dealing with others. Our manners show others our thoughts and opinions, but they also reveal what is in our hearts and true character. Having and using good manners is important to ensure that we treat others the way we want to be treated. Scripture teaches us in Luke 6:31, “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
Some common ways to show respect for others and to have manners is by using the words “please” and “thank you” often. These two simple words show appreciation and respect for those that help you accomplish your goals. Even saying “please” and “thank you” to strangers is a good way to show good character and the love of Christ. Hebrews 10:24 tells us, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”
* Saying “please” and “thank you” are two important things to say.
You want to say “please” when making a request. For example, “Would you please pass me the pitcher of water?” Saying “thank you” is a great way to show appreciation. You should say “thank you” to anyone who is helping you. When you are at the grocery store or with anyone that is providing you with a service, it is always polite to say “thank you for your work.”
* Say, “excuse me,” if someone is in your way instead of just shoving your way through.
When walking in crowded places, it is easy to accidently bump into someone. Make sure to say “excuse me” and “sorry” if you do bump into someone; even if it is not your fault, it is the polite thing to do.
Showing manners to others, however, is not just about saying “please” and “thank you,” but rather, it is about speaking kindly to others. Scripture tells us in Ephesians 4:29 to “let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Saying kind things and showing respect for others is a reflection on who you are. You should also not curse or take the Lord’s name in vain. You will hear curse words a lot in public, but be mindful of others around you, and remember that it is not polite to use them.
Other ways to practice good manners is to always speak kindly to one another; this includes not using words like “ugly,” “fat,” and “stupid.” These kinds of words can be harmful to others and just should not be used.
You will meet many people in your lifetime, and it is hard to remember all their names. A good way to remember names and greet someone is to shake their hands and say their name.
* For example…
Someone walks up to you at church and reaches for your hand. Gently grab their hand with yours and shake; this is a way to introduce yourself. As you are shaking their hand, you may want to say, “Hi, my name is (insert your name). Nice to meet you, (insert their name)!”
Introductions are important in learning other’s names as well as who they are. When you are in the company of friends, it is also good to introduce people who may not know each other. When introducing your friends or family, make sure to say their names clearly. For example: “Hi! This is my friend (insert their name).”
Being late and procrastinating are two things that you should always seek to avoid. Try to be at least ten to fifteen minutes early for appointments. You can create calendar reminders on your phone or computer to remind you of appointments or upcoming deadlines as well. Never wait until the last minute; it is better to be early than late!
Using manners is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of respect. Others will try and tell you it is okay to curse or to be rude to others, but God does not want us to treat each other that way. You should always be aware of who is around you and what you are saying; this includes when you are on your cell phone.
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Manners
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