The Power of Patience and Politeness

Good morning, church! Today, we’re talking about something that sounds simple, but it’s so powerful: Patience and Politeness. Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, Pastor, this sounds like basic stuff—are we really going to talk about being nice to people?” Well, my friends, yes, we are. And let me tell you, being patient and polite can change the world—or at least change your day and the days of the people around you!

Let me start with a little honesty: Being patient is hard. And let's not even get started on being polite when people are being rude. I mean, have you ever had a moment where someone is just completely disrespectful to you? I don’t know about you, but sometimes my first instinct is not to bless them and say, “Oh, how kind of you.” Nope! My first instinct might involve a raised eyebrow or a sarcastic comment, but hey, I’m working on it! 😉

But here’s the truth: When people are rude or mean to you, it’s not really about you. It's often about how they view themselves. You see, people who are struggling with their own issues tend to take it out on others. When they lash out, it’s like they’re seeing a reflection of themselves in you—and unfortunately, if they don’t feel good about themselves, they may try to tear others down to make themselves feel better.

But when you choose to respond with patience and politeness, it’s like you’re holding up a mirror that shows them something they may not have seen in themselves: kindness, peace, and grace. And that can start a change in them.

The Domino Effect of Kindness

Let me take you back to the Bible, to a story where one kind act sparked a chain of blessings. In the book of 1 Samuel 25, we read about a man named Nabal. He was rich, rude, and not very kind. When David, the future king, was in need, he sent messengers to Nabal asking for food and provisions. Now, instead of extending kindness, Nabal insulted David and refused to help him.

But Nabal’s wife, Abigail, was different. She was kind, wise, and generous. When she heard how Nabal had wronged David, she immediately took action. She gathered a feast of food and supplies and went out to meet David before he could retaliate. When she saw him, she didn’t shout or argue—she responded with politeness and respect.

Here’s what she said in 1 Samuel 25:31:

“When the Lord has dealt well with my lord, remember your servant.”

She didn’t just speak words—she acted with kindness, offering David everything he needed without asking for anything in return.

And guess what happened? David was so moved by Abigail’s kindness that he stopped his anger and acknowledged that her actions had prevented him from making a rash decision. What started as a moment of possible conflict was transformed into a peaceful resolution because of Abigail’s patient and polite response.

Just like Abigail, you have the power to change the course of someone’s day, or even their life, with one simple act of kindness.

How It Works—The Ripple Effect

Let me ask you: Have you ever experienced a moment when someone showed you kindness, and it just turned your whole day around? Maybe someone smiled at you when you were having a rough time. Or maybe a friend gave you an encouraging word right when you needed it. Kindness is contagious. It spreads like a ripple across water, touching lives in ways you might never see.

When you’re kind to someone, you don’t know how far that kindness will go. Just like Abigail’s kindness to David, it can start a domino effect that changes everything. A small act of patience can lead to a wave of positivity that impacts many people in ways we don’t always see.

Remember: Jesus was the perfect example of patience and politeness. Even when people mocked Him, spat on Him, and hung Him on a cross, He didn’t retaliate. Instead, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Jesus modeled for us what it looks like to respond with grace instead of anger.

Patience and Grace in Action

Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, but what if someone is really rude or hurtful? What if they just keep pushing me? What do I do then?” Great question. The answer: You keep responding with grace.

Romans 12:21 says,

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This is where our patience and politeness shine brightest. When someone treats you badly, it’s an opportunity to be like Christ. It’s an opportunity to show them the kindness and love that they may need more than anything else.

It’s not always easy. Trust me, I know! But every time we choose to respond with kindness instead of retaliating—whether it’s in a conversation, a disagreement, or just a random encounter—we reflect the love of Jesus. We break the cycle of negativity and set a new course.

The Wrap-Up

So, the next time you’re in a situation where someone’s rude or cutting you off in traffic (or worse—cutting in line at the coffee shop!), take a deep breath. Remember that kindness is like a boomerang—what you put out into the world will eventually come back to you. You might never see the full impact of your patience and politeness, but trust me, it’s out there, rippling through people’s hearts.

And you never know—your act of kindness might just set someone’s whole day (or even life) on a different trajectory. Like that domino effect, it can make a difference in ways you’ll never fully see.

Let’s pray,

Lord, thank You for the patience and politeness that You model for us each day. Help us to respond with kindness when we’re tempted to respond with frustration or anger. May we be lights in a world that desperately needs it. Give us the strength to model Jesus in all we do, and let our kindness spread like a beautiful ripple across the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.