Following our recent Church Equipping Forum, “On Civics and Civility,” Pastor George considers our culture’s lack of civility and the hope found in the Gospel for true civility among believers.
We should not be surprised, nor discouraged, by the lack of civility in the culture. Rather, as believers, we rest in the Spirit of God who enables us to show civility to one another, regardless of our differences in opinion. So, what is true civility? True civility is marked by five distinct characteristics: tolerance, humility, patience, kind speech, and forgiveness.
- Tolerance is not approval, but rather a respect for and willingness to engage with another's perspective.
- Humility is the act of careful listening and the extension of kindness to all.
- Patience allow us to listen well and move toward others rather than responding in fear or judgement.
- Kind Speech does not seek to attack or tear down the other person, but to build up and make room for future conversations.
- Forgiveness is born out of gratitude for how much we have been forgiven; those who have been forgiven much are able to offer much forgiveness to others.
For followers of Christ, living with civility is essential to loving God and loving others. So, let us be a church of conversation starters, rather than conversation stoppers. Let us be civil.