After spending the past week condemning rudeness, this post may sound like a contradiction initially but stay with me.
I would define rude behavior as anything ill-mannered or demeaning directed at another person. Rude behavior can be either intentional or careless.
Rude behavior usually arises out of being self-seeking, irritable or vindictive as indicated here in verse 5.
Most people recognize rude behavior when they see it. Especially when it is happening to them!
But here is the tricky part!
There is a day coming when the behavior we cherish and value as believers will be considered rude by most people in our culture. We can already see instances of it happening.
You may be familiar with the Christ-owned bakery out in Oregon whose owners were considered rude because they chose not to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple's wedding. Beyond being considered rude, their decision was ruled illegal and they have lost their bakery business.
While it once would have been considered rude for the same-sex couple to insist this couple bake their cake instead of simply finding a baker who would, that has flipped one hundred and eighty degrees.
Saying to someone that Jesus is the only way to salvation and only those who trust in Him will be save may soon be considered a rude statement because it is so exclusive and discriminatory.
Verbalizing your belief that the Bible is absolute truth and anything contrary to it is wrong will soon be branded as an intolerant and rude statement.
Having doubts about climate change being caused by human activities and expressing those doubts will soon be considered rude and crude by many in our culture.
Love is not rude.
But as our culture grows increasingly confused over the meaning of real love it will be a challenge to avoid offending their notions of rudeness.
Make sure you are vitally connected to Christ so you can be clear on the concept!
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