VALUES 

This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies  says: Judge fairly, and sh0w mercy and kindness to one another»   (Zechariah 7:9). 

I read a story in a church bulletin that teaches about the value of being courteous and treating others kindly.

One day a train was about to leave the station. There was a man by the platform dressed in casual clothing. You could tell he was disabled and his appearance did not denote he was rich or powerful.

«All aboard, cripple! yelled the conductor. «Board the train!”

The man didn’t reply. He simply boarded and sat down. A few minutes later the conductor returned and barked, ‘(Show me your ticket, quick «I don’t pay a fare, replied the man unperturbed.

«Humph, we’ll see about that,» blurted the conductor and moved down the aisle to inspect the other tickets. «I’ll make you get off at the next station.

A passenger interrupted him and in whisper asked him,

«Do you Know who you were just talking to?»

«No, who was it?»

«The president of the railway company.»

The man couldn’t help blushing and realize he was in serious trouble. When he finished his rounds, he approached the passenger he had disrespected. He gave him his notebook and tickets and said, » Sir, I resign from my job.

I deserve it.»

To his surprise, the man kindly told him, «Sit down, young man. You’ve been very insolent, haven’t you? Treating passengers that way seriously damages this company’s reputation. Remember you can’t judge anyone by the clothes they wear. Even the poorest passengers deserve to be treated Kindly. If you change your behavior, I won’t tell anyone about this matter and you’ll keep your job.»

In Gospel Workers, Ellen White says, «The Lord Jesus demands our acknowledgment of the rights of every man. Men’s social rights, and their rights as Christians, are to be taken into consideration. All are to be treated with refinement and delicacy, as the sons and daughters of God. . . . Christ was courteous, even to His persecutors; and His true followers will manifest the same spirit. . . . The gospel does not encourage the formal politeness current with the world, but the courtesy that springs from real kindness of heart» (sec. 4, p. 123).

May we be courteous to everyone today and always.