Why are good manners important to relationships?

Proverbs 3:3-4Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.

Good manners bring a good reputation, which is essential to trusting, healthy relationships.

Ephesians 5:33So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

1 Peter 3:1-3In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives. Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.

1 Peter 3:7In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

Good manners help husbands and wives show thoughtfulness to each other, which positively affects a marriage.

Exodus 18:7So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. He bowed low and kissed him. They asked about each other’s welfare and then went into Moses’ tent.

Ephesians 6:1, 4Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. . . . Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

1 Timothy 3:4He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.

Good manners positively affect our families and the relationships between their parents and children.

Deuteronomy 24:15“You must pay them their wages each day before sunset because they are poor and are counting on it. If you don’t, they might cry out to the Lord against you, and it would be counted against you as sin.”

Ephesians 6:5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ.

Colossians 4:1Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven.

Both bosses and employees deserve respect. Good manners are a blessing to any business environment. Good manners positively affect businesses and how well they work.

Romans 12:10Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

Romans 15:2We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

We should seek to please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord.

Galatians 6:2Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Ephesians 4:32Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Good manners positively affect church life because they demonstrate a sincere desire to serve others and be a blessing to them.

1 Thessalonians 4:12Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.

1 Peter 2:12Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

Good manners positively affect life in our communities because they show a desire to help others and befriend them. This serves as a powerful witness to unbelievers.

Proverbs 15:1A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Luke 17:4“Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”

Ephesians 4:31-32Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Colossians 3:13Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Good manners protect and heal relationships. A respectful response to anger can defuse great tension. Asking for forgiveness—and offering it—is essential to restoring damaged relationships.