We are now into 2024. If the year is going to be any better, people will need to make serious changes. To do the same as last year is to have 2024 filled with continued economic chaos, litigious behavior, and even war. In an opinion article published in the “Ashville Citizen Times,” writer Brad Guteirrez1 https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/opinion-abandoning-3-key-principles-threatens-the-soul-of-the-united-states/ar-AA1mgCxb?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01identifies the societal loss of three principles that remain a serious threat to improving 2024. Mr. Guteirrez calls them the three C’s: Civility, Compassion, and Compromise. While Mr. Guteirrez takes a secular view of the three C’s, let’s look at Civility, Compassion, and Compromise from a Biblical perspective to see what we can glean.
Civility
First, there is “civility,” a modern concept not found directly in Scripture. However, our Bible does contain principles and wisdom that are related to our relationships with others regarding respect, kindness, and consideration. Civility refers to courteous behavior, respect for others, and adherence to social norms and conventions that contribute to a civilized and cooperative society. It involves interacting with others in a considerate and respectful manner, even in the face of differences or disagreements. In Matthew 7:12, Jesus tries to give us an excellent summary of the meaning of civility. He says, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” By encouraging us to treat others as we would like to be treated, most would agree that Jesus’ command contains one of the fundamental aspects of civility. The Apostle Matthew expounds further by quoting Jesus again in Matthew 22:39. Jesus states, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew emphasizes the importance of showing love and kindness to others. Why? It typically promotes a sense of community and mutual respect. When hatred is promoted instead, divisiveness rules and civility cannot exist!
Civility is all about how people who disagree will treat each other. The Bible frequently encourages believers to practice kindness and patience. Colossians 3:12, for example, says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Solomon pointed out in Proverbs 17:14 that avoidance is critical. “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” Words have power. In today’s world of social and online media, what we say and how we say it makes all the difference.
(Ephesians 4:29) – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Compassion
The Scriptures are loaded with both commands and examples of compassion. King David’s Psalm 103:13 states: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” Compassion emanates from our belief that God exists and that our creation was an act of His love, nothing less than a father’s love for his children.
(Matthew 9:36) – “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Since we, ourselves, were created in God’s image, His divine compassion should also encourage believers to show compassion towards others. To be compassionate requires a deep awareness of the suffering of others, coupled with a desire to end that suffering. It is because of the love and mercy that God has shown to humanity, and believers are encouraged to reflect this compassion in their interactions with others. It involves not only feeling empathy for the pain or suffering someone else is experiencing but also being moved to take action to help or provide comfort. Compassion goes beyond mere pity. It involves a genuine concern for the well-being of others and a willingness to engage in acts of kindness, understanding, and support.
(Colossians) – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
The final rationale for compassion comes from Christ Himself, who suffered and gave His life so that we might be free of sin. The Apostle Paul states in Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Compromise
A compromise is a settlement or agreement reached through mutual concessions by parties involved in a dispute or disagreement. The concept requires finding a middle ground or a solution acceptable to all parties, even if it means giving up some of their original preferences or positions. Compromise is a willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of reaching an agreement and fostering cooperation. This is where the problems start. The concept of compromise, in the sense of bargaining or negotiating, is not an option under God’s Laws. His Laws are absolute and unchanging. The idea is that these laws reflect God’s divine will and are not subject to human negotiation or compromise. The Ten Commandments, for example, are the basis for our moral and ethical principles. They are not negotiable or subject to compromise. The same holds for the moral and ethical teachings in the New Testament. These are reflections of God’s will for humanity’s behavior. Therefore, compromise, by God’s definition, cannot occur without repentance (a change in direction) and forgiveness. When individuals fall short of God’s standards, He extends an invitation to repent and seek forgiveness through faith in His mercy and grace. However, this is not a compromise of God’s Laws but rather a recognition of human fallibility and a reliance on God’s redemptive nature.
- (Amos 3:3) – “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” This verse highlights the importance of agreement and unity in relationships.
- (Matthew 5:9) – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This beatitude encourages the pursuit of peace and reconciliation, which often involves a degree of compromise.
- (Proverbs 20:3) – “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” Solomon points out the wisdom of avoiding unnecessary conflicts and the benefit of a willingness to find common ground.
- (Philippians 2:3-4) – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” The Apostle Paul points out that the failure to reach a compromise can be driven by the selfishness of one’s own heart.
Not that Easy Is It!
The three C’s of Mr. Guteirrez—civility, compassion, and compromise—need one more “C.” That would be the “C” for Common Sense. Common Sense is the practical, sound judgment and reasoning that is based on a simple understanding of situations and facts. It involves the ability to make reasonable and practical decisions, drawing on one’s everyday experience, knowledge, and awareness. However, when someone is treating you as a terrorist because you want to protect your children, or if someone is unilaterally ignoring civil law so that your safety is in danger, you need to use common sense. How about when others try to teach your children that men can become pregnant, or if someone is forcing them to accept concepts like “80+ genders, then Civility, Compassion, and Compromise cannot and should not happen. It takes common sense to find practical solutions, and actions are considered reasonable and logical by most people. It is part of human intelligence that relies on a fact-based, pragmatic approach to problem-solving and decision-making. Common sense involves an understanding of what is practical and sensible and is the pathway to positive outcomes in everyday situations.
Standing Firm
(1 Corinthians 15:58) – “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
No religion, including Christianity, has the right or role to redefine God’s Laws. God is not about compromise; God is about obedience and humble service. Humanity should share their compassion for our God and His world with civility. By relying on the Holy Spirit for Revelation and using common sense to understand our world, we all should work to understand God’s Truth. In the end, our salvation relies on being gracious for God’s Grace, Christ’s sacrifice to bring us all into fellowship with our Creator, and the Hope of the eternal world that lies ahead.
Contemplations
- Where do you see examples of a lack of civility?
- Ideas to Explore: School board meetings, news media, politics, social media—please add your favorites.
- Where do you participate in acts of compassion?
- Ideas to Explore: Church, charities, schools, family, community, etc.
- What are you not willing to compromise on?
- Ideas to Explore: These would be the areas of God’s Truth that are the clearest to you.
- How do you handle the absurd? This is when you are presented with obvious lies and untruths as facts.
- Ideas to Explore: Ignore it. Do not try to upset anyone, so avoid it. Study or fact-find to make sure you understand the area fully. Believe it because you distrust those who are telling you something different.
- Do you consider yourself a responsible citizen?
- Ideas to Explore: You vote. You study all candidates from both biased and unbiased sources before picking one. You put your money and time into political campaigns to minimize the impact of special interests and their money.
- In John 2:13–17, Jesus seems to have had enough and becomes an activist. Do you think He was wrong not to compromise with the leaders?
- Ideas to Explore: What actions in our nation or world move you to action? Was Jesus showing us that there is a “time for war and a time for peace? Do you have limits?
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