Cheerfulness and Christian Courtesy

Before leaving His disciples, what did Jesus say to them?

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

What were some of the cheering words He said to them?

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you, I am going there to prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-3.

In what spirit should we serve the Lord?

‘Worship the Lord in gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” Psalm 100:2.

What is sown for the upright in heart?

“Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.” Psalm 97:11.

Good and Bad Medicine

What effect has a merry heart?

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

 Proverbs 17:22. 

What effect do helpful, cheerful words have upon the heart?

“An anxious heart weights a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25. 

By what temporal blessings does God fill men’s hearts with gladness?

“Yet he has left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; her provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” Acts 14:17. 

Why and for what may every child of God rejoice?

“I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with jewels.” Isaiah 61:10. 

Against what are Christians warned? What fate once overtook the children of Israel when they murmured?

“And do not grumble, as some of them did – and were killed by the destroying angel.”

1 Corinthians 10:10.

Rejoicing Always

Even when persecuted, what are we told to do, and why?

“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.” Luke 6:23.  

When beaten by the Jewish rulers for preaching Christ, what did the apostles do?

“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” Acts 5:41.

After receiving “many stripes,” and with their feet made fast in the stocks, what did Paul and Silas do while in prison?

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16:25.

What assurance is given that the child of God may bravely endure every trial and hardship of life?

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

How constant should our rejoicing be?

“Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4.  

Christian Courtesy

What should be our conduct one toward another?

“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8.

How many should we honor?

“Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:17.

Whom should we salute?

“And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that?” Matthew 5:47.  

What respect should be shown the aged?

“Rise up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:32. (See 2 Kings 2:23,24.)

Whom especially should children honor?

“Honor your father and your mother.” Exodus 20:12.

How should faithful Christian leaders be regarded?

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” 1 Timothy 5:17.

What is the basis of true Christian courtesy?

‘Love is patient, love is kind, It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

1 Corinthians 13:4,5.