4. Trusted
The Art of Civility really comes down to the valuing of others over and above the valuing of our own opinions as we interact with them. If we engage in conversation with the goal to win, be right, be heard and get our point across, then in many ways we have already lost. We have lost the Art of Civility and traded it for pride of an opinion. We want people to feel heard, understood, respected and trusted with who they are and what they have to say. When someone does not feel one of these things, it can lead to them feeling HURT. Jesus came into our lives to set us free from the ways of this world and to empower us to manifest His Kingdom in the midst of this world.

The final piece of The Art of Civility is the feeling of being trusted. When others share with us their feelings, views or ideas they are entrusting us with a piece of themselves and this leads to a greater trust between two people. For Christians, trust starts with the amazing reality that God can always be trusted. God is perfected trust and will always come through for His people.

Isaiah 26:3-4 spoke to this truth when he said: “you keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” Then again scripture speaks to this in Proverbs 3:5-6: “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

As we trust in God, He will empower us to be trustworthy people to others. We know we cannot control others and need God’s wisdom when it comes to who we entrust ourselves to. However, when it comes to ourselves, here are nine tips to help us become a more trustworthy person.

1. Always keep your commitment in word and deed
2. Be honest
3. Be transparent
4. Be on time
5. Keep confidences
6. Don’t gossip
7. Apologize when needed
8. Be predictable with a loving attitude
9. Set the tone for those around you

Your attitude and consistency can cause a ripple effect to others and we want to make sure that the ripple effect is positive. As Christians we have been called to be the leaders of civility in this world. Romans 12:18 says: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

I pray this study has raised awareness of how vital civility is for the well-being of our families, our church, our city, our nation and our world. May we all take it upon ourselves to live out of the peace that we have so graciously been baptized into.