Christian Courtesy by James D. Montgomery

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 15, 1910

Christian Courtesy

By James D. Montgomery

JAMES D. MONTGOMERY

How beautiful is courtesy in man or woman! How beneficent the influence of the courteous Christian! His salutation cheers, his greeting encourages to better living, his farewell warms the heart. Good breeding and refinement mark his behavior and his speech; his very presence is an inspiration.

It is agreed by all that to possess true courtesy is far better than to adopt and cultivate the thin veneer of bowing and scraping known as politeness. The compliant urbanity of the political candidate can not be even a substitute for the gentle refinement of the courteous Christian gentleman.

At one time during Paul’s eventful journey to Rome, under bonds, he was turned over to one Julius, who “courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.” A spirit of true courtesy on the part of Paul’s jailer took a very practical turn—he allowed his prisoner liberty to visit his friends. This was more than politeness on the part of Julius; it was pity and kindly courtesy that prompted this act of genuine kindness.

On this same journey Paul met with a strange adventure, being shipwrecked off the coast of Melita. Here “the barbarous people,” says the narrative, “showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one. . . . In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.” Three months later, when Paul and his companions left the island, they were honored with many honors, and

laden with such things as were necessary for the further journey. This was practical courtesy on the part of Publius, who, in turn, was richly rewarded for his courteous treatment of his prisoners.

Peter, the impulsive, rash disciple, became the kindly and courteous apostle when he was converted. Thus he exhorts the believers: “Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing; but contrariwise blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8, 9. This is probably the best definition it is possible to find of courtesy—“not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing.”

And this is what the grace of courtesy really is,—a willingness to render good for evil, to put one’s self out to accommodate another, even an enemy. And not only to do these things, but to do them willingly,—showing mercy with cheerfulness. Doing favors—unasked favors usually—with willingness and cheerfulness, constitutes true courtesy.

Newark, Ohio.