In all honesty, the LAST thing I want to do is treat someone kindly when they have been rude or disrespectful to me – even when it’s my own family. I find myself thinking “I’ll show them what rude really is.” or”Pfft, they look like they’re in a bad mood today, they cannot even be bothered to smile, well then neither can I.”
There is something about someone treating me disrespectfully that makes me feel as if I am not obligated to be polite. I know this is a petty mindset, and I cannot behave any old way I want. I believe it is my responsibility to be kind in such situations, even though any feelings of fondness for the person are absent. However, I do try to remember that kindness/being polite must not be confused with giving someone carte blanche to treat me like a dormant.
The reality is, I really do not know what is going on in the life of someone I encounter at the store, bank, post office, or any number of other public places. Whatever it is could be contributing to their bad attitude for the day. My kindness – even if it is just a smile – could be the encouragement. In some cases, the politeness I grudgingly extend prevents me from becoming as ill behaved as the rude person I am interacting with.
Families are made up of people too. They can be just as rude, and mean as total strangers. There are even times when I do not like one or more of my family members. Not liking them does not negate my responsibility in being polite to them. Even in this circumstance, I do not have to allow them to run me over with their rudeness. On more than one occasion, I have had to let a family member know – politely – that I love them, but I will not allow them to speak to or treat to me inappropriately.
Why do I feel I should treat people kindly? One reason is I want the impact – no matter how small – I have on a person to be a positive one. The other reason is I think it is the right thing to do:
Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord for gave you, say you must forgive others. ~ Colossians 3:12-13
My obligation in every interaction is to be kind, or polite – NOT A DOORMAT.
What do you think? Do you think we should be polite in every situation? Or are there times when it is okay to be rude?
