How We Treat Each Other Speaks Volumes About Our Faith
Have you noticed how, lately, even Christians are having a harder time getting along? Maybe you’ve seen sharp words on social media, heated arguments in church meetings, or even unkindness between friends who share the same faith. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It seems like incivility—the way we treat each other without respect or kindness—is rising everywhere, and sadly, that includes within the Christian community.
Why Is This Happening?
Let’s be honest: life isn’t easy right now. Many of us are feeling the pressure from all sides—money worries, job stress, family struggles, and the constant buzz of political arguments. These things can make us feel stretched thin, and sometimes we take it out on the people around us, even our fellow believers. It’s easy to forget that as Christians, we’re called to be different—called to be a light in a world that often feels dark and divided.
What Does the Bible Say?
The Bible has a lot to say about how we treat one another. It tells us to control our tongues, to use our words to build others up, not tear them down. The book of James (3:5-8) warns us that the tongue is small but powerful, and that reckless words can do a lot of damage. Jesus himself said that every careless word we speak will matter (Matthew 12:36-37).
The Bible also describes two ways of living:
· Works of the Flesh: Things like anger, jealousy, fighting, division, and selfishness. Incivility falls into this category because it usually comes from pride, anger, or a lack of self-control.
· Fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is what God wants to grow in us—these are the attitudes that should shape how we treat everyone, especially other Christians.
Why Civility Matters for Christians
As followers of Jesus, we’re supposed to be known for our love—not just for those who agree with us, but for everyone. The point isn’t just to “be nice,” but to show convictional kindness. That means speaking the truth—even when it’s hard—but always doing it with respect and compassion. It’s about having the courage to stand up for what’s right, while treating others with dignity, even when we disagree.
Examples from the Bible and History
We can find examples of both civility and incivility in the Bible:
· Nabal is an example of what not to do. He was rude and disrespectful to David, and his foolish behavior led to trouble for his whole household.
· On the other hand, people like William Wilberforce—a Christian who helped end slavery in England—showed that it’s possible to stand for truth and justice with courage, character, and civility.
What Happens When We’re Unkind?
Incivility doesn’t just hurt feelings—it can break relationships, divide churches, and give people outside the faith a reason to doubt our message. The Bible warns that our words and actions will be judged, and that we should take how we treat others seriously. When Christians are known for arguing, rudeness, or division, it hurts our witness for Christ.
What Can We Do?
· Pause Before You Speak: Ask yourself if your words will help or hurt. Will they bring people together, or push them apart?
· Grow the Fruit of the Spirit: Pray for more love, patience, and kindness in your life. The more you focus on these things, the more natural they’ll become.
· Set the Example: Be the person who listens, who forgives, who encourages others—even when it’s hard.
· Speak Truth With Love: Don’t shy away from difficult conversations, but always handle them with respect and gentleness.
Let’s Be the Light
The world expects arguments and disrespect—that’s nothing new. But as Christians, we’re called to something better. Let’s be known for our kindness, our patience, and our courage to stand for truth without tearing others down. In doing so, we’ll not only strengthen our own relationships, but we’ll also show the world what following Jesus is really all about.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 