One of the first skills we learn in school is speaking to one another with common courtesy. We learn to say “please” and “thank you” and may be denied our requests if we do not use proper manners. Some seem to forget these are life skills that allow us to demonstrate gratitude and manners in our personal and professional life. In fact, a person who does not demonstrate manners may seem ungrateful and it could hurt relationships between a husband and wife, parents and kids, and associations in the workplace.
Philippians 2:1-5 tells us to have the mind of Christ which esteems others better than self and demonstrates it in word and deed. If we do a kindness for others we would expect them to express their gratitude. Therefore, following the principle Jesus taught in Luke 6:31, we should express thankfulness to others.
I am sometimes surprised when I witness an act of kindness for a young person (or older person but this is not Godly Old People, it’s Godly Youth) and they don’t even acknowledge it. Even worse is when someone makes a sacrifice, goes out of their way, spends money, or changes plans to help someone and there is no simple “thank you.”
Be aware of what others are doing for you and express your gratitude. Don’t mumble it–they stepped out to help you, speak up to thank them. Consider some of the following situations where you have opportunities to express gratitude:
Someone…
- gives you a ride home or to an event
- pays your admission to an event or buys your food
- invites you to join in an activity
- hosts a Bible class or other event for young people in their home (thank the homeowners personally)
- organizes a gathering or activity for young people
- gives you a compliment on something you have done
- calls to check on you when you are sick or going through a tough time
- takes time for you for any reason
- gives you a present or money
- teaches you something important
- gives you an opportunity, chance, or job
Feb 26, 2012 @ 10:55:25
former teacher and grandmother of nine, I would like to offer the following suggestion. I feel it’s important to learn good manners early. In a society full of bullying and self-centered children, it is helpful to teach your children the benefits of consideration for others and being polite. A book emphasizing good manners as well as the Golden Rule is The Magic Word by Sherrill S. Cannon. This book is a rhyming story of a little girl who was rude, selfish and demanding – and had very few friends. Her mother suggested that she needed to improve her manners; so when she went to school the next day, she thought of her mother’s advice, “What is the magic word?” and she started saying “Please” and also “Thank You”. She tried to become more thoughtful of others, and discovered that she was a much happier person. The repetitive use of the phrase “What is the magic word?” has children answering “Please”! One of the important lines in the story is “If you want to make friends, you must be polite and treat them the way that you know you would like”. That’s what the Golden Rule is all about!