July 23, 2025
Kind and Courteous Words
How Jesus’ Kindness and Wisdom Should Shape Our Speech and Behavior
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Bible Text
“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.”
— Isaiah 50:4
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Introduction
What defines genuine Christian kindness? Is it just good manners, or is there something deeper?
The prophet Isaiah describes a special gift: the “tongue of a disciple” – speech that encourages, uplifts, and heals. Jesus embodied this perfectly. His words were never shallow. They were gentle yet powerful, truthful yet full of love.
True courtesy, which flows from a renewed heart, is more than etiquette – it is an expression of Jesus’ character within us.
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Devotional
Isaiah speaks prophetically about Jesus – the perfect servant of God. His words had power, but never harshness. He knew how to strengthen the weary – through words of grace. This kind of speech doesn’t come from a desire to “be nice,” but from deeply listening to God.
Ellen G. White describes the character of Jesus like this:
“What Christ was in His life on earth, that every Christian must be. He is our example, not only in spotless purity, but in patience, kindness, and wisdom of behavior. He was firm as a rock when it came to truth and duty, but at the same time He was always polite and kind. His life was the perfect illustration of true courtesy.”
– Ellen G. White, Education, p. 67
Jesus didn’t just say the right things – He had the heart behind them. He walked among the rejected, the unclean, the simple and the sinful – and brought hope, dignity, and purpose.
“He spoke words of sympathy to the right and left when He saw people who were tired and burdened. He helped them carry their loads and repeated to them the lessons He had learned from nature about God’s love, kindness, and goodness.”
– Ellen G. White, Education
Jesus’ way of speaking was gentle, yet transformative. His presence changed the atmosphere; His words changed hearts.
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Story – The Guest at the Last Table
Lina was 17 years old and had decided to do a voluntary social year at a nursing home. She wasn’t particularly religious, but she loved people. One resident touched her heart especially: Mr. R. – a man who barely spoke, never had visitors, and always sat alone at the last table.
Others avoided him: “He used to scam people,” some whispered. “He’s not a good guy.”
But Lina smiled at him, always brought him dessert first, and asked him every day: “How are you today, Mr. R.?”
At first, he gave no look, no thanks – just silence. But she stayed kind.
One day, after months, he handed her a small note with a trembling hand. It read:
“You are the first person in over 15 years to treat me like a human being. I thought I had been forgotten. Your words make life more bearable.”
Later, Lina learned that Mr. R. indeed had a dark past – but also deep remorse. Through her quiet kindness, he found new courage. He began participating in conversations and even smiled now and then.
A few weeks before his death, he said to her:
“Through you, I understood what Jesus must be like. If He’s as kind as you – then I want to meet Him.”
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What Can We Learn from This Story?
This story speaks clearly:
A single kind word, an honest smile, or a small act of courtesy can change a heart – sometimes even a life.
Here are the key lessons:
Kindness still works even when no words come back.
Lina remained patient, even though Mr. R. didn’t respond for a long time. Her attitude showed true, divine love – unconditional.
Every person carries a story.
We often only see the surface – the grumpy look, the silence, the coldness. But behind those walls may lie pain, guilt, or loneliness.
True courtesy is not shallow politeness.
It flows from a heart touched by Jesus. It’s courageous, gentle, and persistent.
Jesus can bring hope through us – even without preaching.
Lina’s simple kindness was a living testimony. Through her actions, not words, she showed what Jesus is like.
You don’t have to be perfect to be a light.
God uses ordinary young people to leave extraordinary traces.
What Jesus was to the world, you can be in your environment: a voice of hope, an example of love, a messenger of divine kindness.
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Reflection – What Does This Mean for You?
How do you speak to people who seem “difficult” or annoy you?
Do you notice when someone is tired, discouraged, or hurting?
Do your words build others up – or do they cut down?
Do you listen to God every morning – so your tongue becomes like that of a disciple?
Jesus doesn’t just want to teach you what to say – He wants to transform your heart so that your words naturally become loving, respectful, and healing.
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Today’s Practical Impulses
Try to speak a “word for the weary” today. Read Isaiah 50:4 in the morning – and ask God to give you ears like a disciple.
Say a sincere, kind sentence to someone today – especially someone who wouldn’t expect it.
Kindness starts at home – speak lovingly to your parents or siblings.
Courtesy doesn’t mean agreeing with everyone – it means always speaking with respect.
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Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven,
You sent Jesus to this world to show us what Your love looks like – not only through miracles, but also through words.
Give me a heart that listens and a tongue that encourages.
Help me meet people with respect and kindness – not out of politeness alone, but out of love.
Make me sensitive to those who are weary or have nearly given up.
Let my words be shaped by Your Spirit – just like Jesus’ words were.
Amen.
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Takeaway for Today
“A kind word is like light in a dark room – it shows that God is still at work.”
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/23-07-2025-kind-and-courteous-words-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/
