Watching Behaviors of Others so I will be kind
1 Peter 3:2-4 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. do not let your adornment be merely outward–arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel–rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
Proverbs 11: 16-20 A gracious woman retains honor, but the ruthless men retain riches. The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. The wicked man does deceptive work, but he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. As righteousness leads to life, so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death. Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord, but the blameless in their ways are His delight.
I tend to be a people watcher. I observe people at the grocery store, parking lots, church, doctor offices, airports and wherever else I happen to find myself with several others and have time to watch. Sometimes I feel dismayed by what I see. It saddens my heart to see some act with an arrogance, a haughtiness and a seeming belief that it is okay to act disrespectful, rude or mean to others. But on the other side, it gladdens my heart to see others act in a kind and loving manner to another; a true smile, a warm thank you, or perhaps a caring touch.
Watching behaviors can sometimes be a benefit. Sometimes, it helps to see how a person misbehaves to you realize you do not want to act like that. Some folks are rude, obnoxious, others patient, gracious and kind…. Which behavior do you want to emulate? It is a choice. There are some who feel entitled to treat others unkind. Do they believe they are better than others? Or are they bullies, and maybe living the arrogant and unkind manner in which they grew up?
There is such a warmth, kindness, and love that flows from those who treat others in a manner that shows respect, empathy, and gentleness. Oh right! That is how Jesus treated the people.
Sometimes I see a tired young mother who is frazzled with her children, sometimes it is someone who is in a hurry and impatient to be away from wherever we are, some are ‘self-important’ and let others know they are ‘too important’ to have to wait. They show more of their crass manners, their impatience, their ‘self-importance.’ When I see this, I’m abruptly reminded I don’t want to be rude, selfish and self-important. I don’t want to act like that. No stylish clothing or outward manifestation of beauty can hide rudeness, unkind behavior and an unattractive heart.
Other times, when I see someone loving and gracious, I know (and hope) I strive to act more like they do—being a blessing, acting in a Christ-like manner to others. It enriches your heart to see the love others have and share toward others. I am so touched seeing folks who are lovely and gracious, waiting patiently for their turn to be helped.
It is watching these calm, gracious folks which holds my attention, mostly because of admiration. I don’t believe they are not as busy as several others in the waiting room, that they have less to do, not as many places to go to that day. But they seem to be loving people who have realized it is far more pleasant to be among others with grace, patience and courtesy. This gains them gratitude from others as well as appreciation.
And for me at least, I want to emulate them, to strive to be more gracious and pleasant to others. This is all part of the last commandment Jesus left with his disciples; to love one another as you love yourselves….to treat others in the manner you want to be treated.
This is how I attempt to behave, from mybellaviews.
Comments