“Be courteous!” (1st Peter 3:8)
Being courteous is obviously an important tenant of human decency and was considered an exalted feature by the ancient Greek philosophers, because being courteous means to be considerate and “friendly-minded” towards others. Sadly, however, courtesy remains more a secular word than a sacred one, never quite entering the lexicon of Christian virtues.
Despite this fact, St. Peter seemingly puts courtesy on the theological map by stating that Christians should be courteous to one another, even if it is a basic secular and humanistic act. Christ, Himself, repeatedly showed courtesy to those He came into contact with by treating them with honor, dignity, and respect – even in how he addressed or talked to them. Our Lord didn’t belittle anyone or treat them ignobly because, Jesus – as Son of God - is “of the Father” and God the Father is courteous; courtesy being an element of love.
Fr. John
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