Love With All Your Heart... series chapter 6

Love With All Your Heart

by:

Linda Driver 

 

6

Love is Polite:

Love does not behave itself rudely, unmannerly, or act unbecomingly.

Ed was good at making scenes. His temper flared at the drop of a hat, and his little tirades didn't seem to bother him at all. He had discovered it was a great way to get attention. And it just seemed like opportunities fell into his lap; for example, it seemed that people cut in front of him whenever he drove anywhere. Then Ed would honk, shake a menacing fist, and even roll down the window and shout rude words. He prided himself on his ability to communicate what he really felt. He did not stifle his feelings; he displayed them in full color. He never stopped to think of the effect his uninhibited exhibitions had on others. People knew better than to get on his bad side. He was very generous in giving people a piece of his mind. He wasn't afraid of confrontation or sticking up for his rights. Nobody was going to walk all over him.

 

Then one day Ed came face to face with the claims of God's love as found in the Bible:

 

 

Love....does not behave rudely.

1 Corinthians 13:5

 

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Romans 12:18

 

A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.   

Proverbs 15:1,2

 

    But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness,

godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.   

1 Timothy 6:11

 

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

1 Peter 3:8

 

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.   

Philippians 4:5

 

Love is courteous and considerate of other people's feelings, always seeking to make others comfortable.

Love always acts appropriately for the situation.

Love endeavors to nurtures peace and harmony.

Love never does anything that purposefully hurt or offend anyone.

Love is never rude, caustic, or abrasive. It is not argumentative or pushy. Love does not have pride of opinion.

Love never makes a noisy show or throws a temper tantrum.

Love always respects others' feelings when making a decision that affects them and doesn't proceed to push its own way.

Love bends and accommodates others without compromising principles.

Love never embarrasses others or puts them on the spot.

Love will seek to avoid confrontations or disputes which spring from selfish motives or desires.

Love is not moody and will not make others uncomfortable by pouting ignoring or giving the "silent treatment" when things don't go one's way.

Love does not make insolent remarks or tell people off just to vent one's feelings.