Maybe I’m old fashioned. I thought being civil meant being polite, civilized, or even chivalrous. The other definition is about relating to citizens. That’s why I had a difficult time choosing the titles for my previous posts “Civic Duty” and “Civic Responsibilities” because I could have used the word ‘Civil’ instead. But according to Google and AI, it was better to use ‘civic’ in those instances.
To me, being civil means being a good citizen and a good neighbor. So I don’t mind holding the door open for the person behind me, even if it is a guy. I let the person with a handful of groceries go in front of my cart filled to the top with groceries.
Being civil makes me feel good and hopefully makes our fellow citizens feel good, too. It can be as simple as saying “please” and “thank you.” Scott is trying to get me to say “ma’am” and “sir” now that we’re in the South. He’s much better at it than I am. I’m glad my kids learned civility when they were younger. I enjoy having them around as young adults and other adults have mentioned the same thing.
Would you stop to offer any assistance after witnessing a car accident on your drive home? If I was driving and not the only witness, I would continue on my way home. If Scott was driving, he would stop to call 911 and offer his testimony. Just last week, he did that but his testimony wasn’t needed because there was a guy with a video of the accident from his dash camera.
I was surprised at how many people stopped to check on the victims of the accident. It’s nice to know that there are people who would do that when they are not required to do so. The world would be a better place if everyone was civil.
I noticed it made a big difference in our flight when people helped a stranger get a carryon bag into the overhead compartment instead of just watching the person struggle with lifting the bag overhead. It made boarding the plane faster and there were more smiles on faces.
Since we will be voting next month, we will get a chance to practice civility and watch other people not being civil. Without repeating what was said in my ‘Civic’ posts, I encourage everyone who is registered to vote to do so because it is a civil right we should exercise.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus so that we have an example of being civil. Help us to be like Him by loving others more than ourselves. May we have humble hearts, listening ears, and helpful hands. Give us wisdom in what to say when others disagree with us, when others need correction, or they need encouragement. May our actions and speech point others to You.
In Your Son’s precious name, Amen.
Verses
Romans 14:19 Let us make every effort towards peace and to encourage one another
Titus 3:1-2 Be good citizens
1 Peter 2:17 Respect everyone
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, compassionate
Matthew 22:21 Follow the rules of God and the rules of government
Song
“Just Like Jesus” by Iveth Luna is a song that encourages us to be Jesus’ hands, feet, and arms reaching out to those who need a friend.
Call to action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then find instances in the Bible where Jesus was not being civil. There are at least five passages and share why you think Jesus wasn’t civil.