Civility vs Politeness

    In today's society, we often equate civility with politeness, assuming that a well-mannered exterior is the pinnacle of moral and ethical behavior. However, a closer examination of the life and teachings of Jesus reveals a stark contrast between these two concepts. While Jesus undoubtedly embodied civility, his actions and words were not always polite in the conventional sense. This distinction sheds light on the profound wisdom that can be drawn from his approach to human interaction.

    Jesus' civility, rooted in compassion and a genuine concern for the well-being of others, often led him to engage in conversations that were far from polite. He fearlessly confronted the religious authorities of his time, challenging their hypocrisy and injustice. In the Gospel of Matthew, he called the Pharisees "whitewashed tombs" and "a brood of vipers," highlighting their duplicity and lack of true faith. Such words, though undoubtedly blunt, were spoken out of a deep love for the people who had been misled by these leaders.

    This facet of Jesus' civility teaches us that speaking the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or challenges the status quo, is an act of love and compassion. It reminds us that genuine civility involves addressing injustice and falsehood, even if it ruffles feathers and contradicts conventional norms of politeness.

    Politeness often involves avoiding conflict and confrontation at the expense of truth. In contrast, Jesus' civil approach prioritized truth and justice, even when it meant challenging established norms and enduring the discomfort of conflict. The Gospels are filled with examples of Jesus engaging in difficult conversations and debates to reveal deeper spiritual truths.

    When Jesus overturned the tables of moneychangers in the temple, he demonstrated his willingness to disrupt the status quo in the name of justice and righteousness. Politeness would have dictated a more subdued approach, but Jesus' civil action was a powerful reminder that civility, rooted in love, often requires disruptive action for the greater good.

        Another aspect of Jesus' civility was his unswerving commitment to the marginalized and oppressed. He dined with tax collectors and sinners, touched the untouchable, and defended the woman caught in adultery when the religious leaders sought to condemn her. In doing so, Jesus often ran counter to societal norms and politeness conventions.

    Jesus' actions exemplify that true civility involves caring for those whom society has rejected and stigmatized. It necessitates challenging the prejudices and biases of one's time and advocating for the dignity and worth of every individual. In this, Jesus teaches us that civility is more about actively extending kindness and compassion to others rather than adhering to a superficial code of politeness.

    In a world where the boundaries between civility and politeness can often become blurred, Jesus' example serves as a guide for a more profound understanding of what it means to be truly civil. His words and actions were driven by a deep sense of love, truth, and justice. While they may not have always adhered to the niceties of politeness, they exemplified a genuine and compassionate civility.

    Embracing the teachings of Jesus reminds us that civility is not merely a matter of surface-level pleasantries, but a deep-seated commitment to love, justice, and compassion. It challenges us to confront injustice, reach out to the marginalized, and speak the truth, even when it disrupts the prevailing norms of politeness. In doing so, we follow in the footsteps of the One who was truly civil, not just polite.