Courtesy, as understood within the biblical context, refers to the demonstration of politeness, respect, and consideration towards others. It is an expression of love and humility, reflecting the character of Christ in interpersonal relationships. The Bible, while not using the term "courtesy" explicitly, provides numerous teachings and examples that embody this virtue.

Biblical Foundations

The concept of courtesy is deeply rooted in the biblical principle of love for one's neighbor. In Matthew 7:12, Jesus articulates the Golden Rule: "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets." This directive encourages believers to treat others with the same respect and kindness they desire, which is the essence of courtesy.

In Ephesians 4:32, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to "be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." Kindness and tenderheartedness are key components of courtesy, emphasizing the importance of a gentle and forgiving spirit in interactions with others.

Examples of Courtesy in Scripture

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who exemplified courtesy. One notable example is Abraham, who showed great hospitality and respect to the three visitors in Genesis 18. Despite his status and wealth, Abraham humbly served his guests, demonstrating a courteous and generous spirit.

Another example is found in the account of Ruth and Boaz. Boaz, a man of standing in Bethlehem, treated Ruth, a foreigner and widow, with exceptional kindness and respect. In Ruth 2:8-9, Boaz instructs Ruth to glean in his fields and ensures her safety, displaying a courteous and protective attitude.

Courtesy in the Teachings of Jesus

Jesus Christ, the ultimate model of courtesy, consistently demonstrated respect and compassion towards others, regardless of their social status or background. In John 4, Jesus engages in a respectful and meaningful conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, breaking cultural norms and showing her dignity and worth.

In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus extends grace and forgiveness to a sinful woman who anoints His feet with perfume. Despite the judgment of others, Jesus acknowledges her act of love and speaks to her with kindness and respect, illustrating the courteous nature of His ministry.

Practical Application

Believers are called to embody courtesy in their daily lives, reflecting the love and humility of Christ. In Colossians 4:6, Paul advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This instruction highlights the importance of gracious and respectful communication as a hallmark of Christian conduct.

Furthermore, 1 Peter 3:8-9 encourages believers to "be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble." Courtesy, as an expression of these virtues, fosters unity and peace within the body of Christ and serves as a powerful witness to the world.

Conclusion

While the Bible may not explicitly use the term "courtesy," its teachings and examples provide a clear framework for understanding and practicing this virtue. By embodying courtesy, believers reflect the character of Christ and fulfill the biblical mandate to love and respect others.1. (n.) Politeness; civility; urbanity; courtliness.

2. (n.) An act of civility or respect; an act of kindness or favor performed with politeness.

3. (n.) Favor or indulgence, as distinguished from right; as, a title given one by courtesy.

4. (n.) An act of civility, respect, or reverence, made by women, consisting of a slight depression or dropping of the body, with bending of the knees.

5. (v. i.) To make a respectful salutation or movement of respect; esp. (with reference to women), to bow the body slightly, with bending of the knees.

6. (v. t.) To treat with civility.

218. aleipho -- anoint.
... ["Anointing" (218 ) usually applied olive oil on the , to a guest. Oil was also
applied to the feet to soothe and show (courtesy, respect). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/218.htm - 7k2616. chacad -- to be good, kind
... A primitive root; properly, perhaps to bow (the neck only (compare chanan)
in courtesy to an equal), ie To be kind; also (by euphem. ...
/hebrew/2616.htm - 5k

4521. menath -- portion
... portion. From manah; an allotment (by courtesy, law or providence) -- portion. see
HEBREW manah. 4520, 4521. menath. 4522 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4521.htm - 6k

3548. kohen -- priest
... Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy)
an acting priest (although a layman) -- chief ruler, X own, priest, prince ...
/hebrew/3548.htm - 6k

A Lesson in Courtesy
... A LESSON IN COURTESY. I read a story recently of how a young man got his
start in life through being courteous. This young man was ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/a lesson in courtesy.htm

Many are Won by Justice and Benevolence and Courtesy...
... Chapter XIX. Many are won by justice and benevolence and courtesy? Many are won
by justice and benevolence and courtesy, but all this must be sincere. 95. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xix many are won.htm

How Jesus Christ, the Blessed One, at the Prayer of St Francis ...
... of his brothers at the house of a rich and powerful nobleman, the two were received
by him as if they had been angels of God, with so much courtesy and respect ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xxxvii how jesus christ.htm

What is Useful is the Same as what is virtuous...
... What is useful is the same as what is virtuous; nothing is more useful than love,
which is gained by gentleness, courtesy, kindness, justice, and the other ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vii what is useful.htm

On Pleasing all Men
... Indeed, the mode of showing your courtesy may vary, as Christian prudence will direct;
but the thing itself is due to all; the lowest and worst have a claim to ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 100 on pleasing all.htm

The Analysis
... "Love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.". Courtesy . . . . . ... The fifth ingredient
is a somewhat strange one to find in this summum bonum: Courtesy. ...
/.../drummond/the greatest thing in the world and other addresses/the analysis.htm

Translator's Preface
... preparing the translation. His patience and courtesy have alike been
unfailing in every matter submitted for his decision. I am ...
/.../translators preface.htm

The Galleys
... "I am a wretch and a sinner!" he cried, "but tell me what to do and I will do it."
Raising him with gentle courtesy, Vincent bade him take courage, and spoke ...
/.../forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 4 the galleys.htm

Footnotes
... Many interesting details beside, I owe to the courtesy of Professor Planchon, of
Montpellier, author of a discourse on "Rondelet et vies Disciples," which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/historical lectures and essays/footnotes.htm

A Prophet of Peace
... In the respect shown them, God is honored. Courtesy, also, is one of the
graces of the Spirit and should be cultivated by all. It ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 19 a prophet of.htm

Courtesy (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) Favor or indulgence, as distinguished from right; as, a title given one
by courtesy. ... Multi-Version Concordance Courtesy (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/courtesy.htm - 7k

Courteous (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) of courtesy; characterized by courtesy; civil; obliging;
well bred; polite; affable; complaisant. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/c/courteous.htm - 7k

Knee (12 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A bending of the knee, as in respect or courtesy. 6. (vt) To supplicate
by kneeling. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. KNEE; KNEEL. ...
/k/knee.htm - 12k

Obligation (17 Occurrences)
... to or for another, or to forbear something; external duties imposed by law, promise,
or contract, by the relations of society, or by courtesy, kindness, etc. ...
/o/obligation.htm - 12k

Obligate (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To bind or firmly hold to an act; to compel; to constrain; to bind to any
act of duty or courtesy by a formal pledge. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/o/obligate.htm - 7k

Obeisance (45 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) Obedience. 2. (n.) A manifestation of obedience;
an expression of difference or respect; homage; a bow; a courtesy. Int. ...
/o/obeisance.htm - 22k

Jethro (10 Occurrences)
... When Moses fled from Egypt he found refuge in Midian, where he received a hearty
welcome into the household of Jethro on account of the courtesy and kindness ...
/j/jethro.htm - 17k

Lady (37 Occurrences)
... not lower than an earl. The wife of a baronet or knight has the title
of Lady by courtesy, but not by right. 5. (n.) A woman of ...
/l/lady.htm - 22k

Law (670 Occurrences)
... or of procedure, conforming to the conditions of success; a principle, maxim; or
usage; as, the laws of poetry, of architecture, of courtesy, or of whist. ...
/l/law.htm - 101k

Lord (59401 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A titled nobleman., whether a peer of the realm or not; a bishop, as a member
of the House of Lords; by courtesy; the son of a duke or marquis, or the ...
/l/lord.htm - 61k

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