There is a difference between civility and being politically correct.

Civility implies respect for others in words and in demeanor. Simply put, it means applying the Golden Rule in our relationships.

Political correctness refers to those whose words and actions are not based on their true beliefs but their desire to tickle the ears of others (2 Tim 4:3). In a real sense it is being untrue to oneself.

Incivility may stem from disrespect for the dignity of others and, for that matter, disrespect for oneself. The uncivil person may be an egoist totally lacking in empathy. Or, such a person may have never been taught common decency.

Ecclesiastes 10:12-13 has some interesting words on this subject:

“Words from the mouth of the wise win favor,
but the lips of fools consume them.
The beginning of their words is folly,
and the end of their talk is utter madness …”

Christian discipleship calls us to love and respect others and to always be true to ourselves and the Gospel.

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Image Credit: Niels Linneberg on Flickr