Showing courtesy

My wife and I were out visiting someone on her birthday in Yishun.

After the visit we got on the train to come home. Immediately a Malay lady complete with tudong got up and give my wife her seat. My wife thanked her and accepted the offer.

I stood in front of a young man who just conveniently ignored me. A lady coming up behind me went straight to him, pointed a finger at him and ordered him to get up and give me the seat. He sheepishly complied and walked away.

This middle aged lady speaking in Cantonese to her friend made this remark. “Fancy wearing a cross and not be courteous.” I must add she got up every time she saw an older person walk into the train and gave up her seat. She certainly walked her talk.

I’ve been thinking, the world does expect the Christian to maintain a certain standard of conduct, not least in showing courtesy. This young man wore a cross but that does not necessarily mean he was a Christian.

Courtesy comes from the old French word ‘courteis’ which means gentle politeness and courtly manners.

I wonder how many of us remember to say, ‘thank you’ for a gift or some kindness we have received.

In Luke 17: 11-16 we read of Jesus who met ten lepers and healed them at their request. Jesus then commanded them to go and show themselves to the priests. It was another way of telling them they were healed. Only those who had been healed were supposed to go to the priests.

These men did as Jesus told them. One man shouted praise to the Lord, then turned around and ran back to Jesus as fast as he could to say “thank you.”
Jesus was surprised to see the one man and said. “But weren’t there ten who were healed, where are the other nine?” He then added “You can go now; your faith has saved you and made you better.”

What happened to the nine? Perhaps they were too proud or too lazy to make the journey back to thank Jesus. Or they were thinking they had so much to do and a lot to catch up on
How often do we thank God? And by the way did you thank the one who gave you the seat on the train or bus? Have you thanked the one who sent you a gift? It is courteous to be kind to people and courteous to say thank you for any kindness shown you. Get that hand phone and send an sms to say thank you, if you cannot personally go and meet the person who has shown courtesy, kindness or generosity.

"A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love."
Saint Basil