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Some time ago, there were a few articles in the Straits Times discussing the issue of courtesy and graciousness in our Singapore society.  The observation was made that people tended to be respectful and courteous to persons of higher social standing or rank than they were.  So a person who would ordinarily be polite and gracious to his boss at work for example, would not necessarily be equally courteous or considerate to his fellow commuters on the bus, or to fellow diners in a food centre.  Our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong probably captured the essence of this courtesy phenomenon best of all.  When he was asked about this, he replied that he did not usually encounter discourteous or ungracious Singaporeans for the COURTESY, COMPASSION & CARE

Some time ago, there were a few articles in the Straits Times discussing the issue of courtesy and graciousness in our Singapore society. The observation was made that people tended to be respectful and courteous to persons of higher social standing or rank than they were. So a person who would ordinarily be polite and gracious to his boss at work for example, would not necessarily be equally courteous or considerate to his fellow commuters on the bus, or to fellow diners in a food centre. Our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong probably captured the essence of this courtesy phenomenon best of all. When he was asked about this, he replied that he did not usually encounter discourteous or ungracious Singaporeans for the simple reason that when you are Prime Minister, everyone is nice to you.

In contrast, the Lord Jesus Christ teaches us that God’s final judgement will involve an evaluation of how the people of God show concern and love for the hungry, the thirsty, the needy, the imprisoned and the sick – those whom Jesus describes as the least of his brothers. This teaches us the truth that in God’s kingdom, there is no place for unfair favouritism or shameless kowtowing to the rich and powerful. The reason for this must be clear to all of us – Genesis 1:26 teaches that every person is created in and bears the image of God. Every person therefore deserves respect and dignity, not because of his position in society, but simply because every person is created in and bears the image of God.

The church today is not immune to this courtesy phenomenon. The letter of James addresses the sin of partiality – people wearing fine clothing to a meeting are invited to sit in good places while those dressed shabbily are made to stand or sit by the feet of others. Jesus teaches us that our love for Him is reflected in the love and care that we give to the needy and the poor. The lives of the people of God are to be characterized by the same compassion and love that Jesus displayed Himself during His earthly ministry. Let us learn from the example of our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.simple reason that when you are Prime Minister, everyone is nice to you.

In contrast, the Lord Jesus Christ teaches us that God’s final judgement will involve an evaluation of how the people of God show concern and love for the hungry, the thirsty, the needy, the imprisoned and the sick – those whom Jesus describes as the least of his brothers.  This teaches us the truth that in God’s kingdom, there is no place for unfair favouritism or shameless kowtowing to the rich and powerful.  The reason for this must be clear to all of us – Genesis 1:26 teaches that every person is created in and bears the image of God.  Every person therefore deserves respect and dignity, not because of his position in society, but simply because every person is created in and bears the image of God.

The church today is not immune to this courtesy phenomenon.  The letter of James addresses the sin of partiality – people wearing fine clothing to a meeting are invited to sit in good places while those dressed shabbily are made to stand or sit by the feet of others.  Jesus teaches us that our love for Him is reflected in the love and care that we give to the needy and the poor.  The lives of the people of God are to be characterized by the same compassion and love that Jesus displayed Himself during His earthly ministry.  Let us learn from the example of our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.