[Love] does not behave rudely. —1 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV
Rudeness is one of the dominant characteristics of the era in which we live. Watch any program or scroll through social media, and you’ll get a healthy dose.
However, love is not rude. It has good manners. It is sensitive to the feelings of others. It is considerate.
Now, rudeness can come out in different ways. Sometimes a lack of love can be seen in someone who is excessively shy. In a group setting, that person may, out of fear, stay to herself and not reach out.
Other times, rudeness is evidenced in words that are sarcastic or cutting. Those words can be like a sword that goes in and wounds the spirit (Prov. 12:18). Many of us had something said to us as a child that was rude and unkind, and it wounded us. But how many times do we use our own tongues to wound, thoughtlessly saying things to those with whom we live and work closely that we would not say to guests or those we don’t know?
Make it Personal
Ask God to help the words that you say to others show love and be gracious, considerate, thoughtful, and mannerly.