‘No one rude … is permitted on this road.’
Isaiah 35:8 The Bible says, ‘There will be a highway called the Holy Road. No one rude … is permitted on this road’ (v. 8 MSG).
Wouldn’t it be great if there was a highway specially designated for kind, considerate people? Instead, look around you; ‘road rage’ is played out every single day. Discourteous drivers yell obscenities at fellow motorists, young and old. What’s making us so rude these days? Overbooked schedules, longer commuting times, demanding bosses, spoiled children, and the stresses of daily living? Showing patience is such a rare occurrence anymore. Ill-mannered, discourteous communication has become standard practice - even among professing Christians. Whatever happened to the Golden Rule Jesus gave us? ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you’ (Luke 6:31 NIV 2011 Edition).
Most of the time we’re so absorbed in our own agendas that we don’t have time to even think about others! Shouldn’t our love for Christ and our desire to represent Him well here on earth have an impact on our day-to-day behaviour? The Bible says, ‘Love is not … rude. [Love] does not demand its own way’ (1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NLT).
There’s never justification for being rude. So when you find yourself being impatient and discourteous, repent and recommit to following the Golden Rule. Realise that when you’re rude, you’ve made the very selfish and ungodly decision that your needs and concerns are of paramount importance.
Followers of Christ are to be patient, considerate, and kind. Try to remember that today when you encounter somebody whose actions invite you to respond the wrong way.
1 Sam 7-9, John 10:1-21
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