Words of wisdom sometimes come to us from unusual sources. On a recent flight, just as we were awaiting departure, the captain came into the cabin with a message for us. To paraphrase his words: “I’d like each of you to look to your right and left. If you don’t know that person, please greet them now. Treat them respectfully throughout the flight. Remember, our flight attendants are here to ensure your safety. Whatever they ask you to do, please do so promptly. They deserve your courtesy. I have been flying for more than 20 years and I love my job. It is important to me that my passengers behave in a considerate manner during our flight. If you have any complaints or problems, I will be at the front of the aircraft when we reach our destination. You can blow off steam at me as much as you like, but I ask you please not to do so to our crew. I thank you for your cooperation.” Now I personally had never witnessed a captain taking this approach. In view of the unfortunate incidents that make the news it is surely understandable. His was very simply a call to civility. The call to show consideration to our fellow man is at the very core of Christianity. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39) And just how do we go about loving each other? In Paul’s letter to the Galatians he spells it out: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” It’s not so easy, but with patience and self-control we can refrain from angry words. Paul isn’t asking us to be “wimps.” He’s actually asking us to be ever so much stronger, to control our words and actions, to treat each other with respect. When we look at our neighbor, in whatever circumstances, we are reminded that he also is a child of God. You could say this too is a call to civility. Now I’m happy to report that during my 2 ½ hour flight, the passengers were indeed quite civil to each other and to the flight attendants. And I believe the flight attendants were likewise quite civil to the passengers. Your journey through life, however, is so much longer. Showing self-control, longsuffering, and kindness year after year is a much bigger challenge. But you are equipped with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Your heavenly Father patiently loves you in all circumstances. He asks only that you share His love – His undying, unconditional love!

Judy

Read Ephesians 4:25-5:2