Courtesy Will Banish Half Life’s Ills—The principle inculcated by the injunction, “Be kindly affectioned one to another,”(Romans 12:10) lies at the very foundation of domestic happiness. Christian courtesy should reign in every household. It is cheap, but it has power to soften natures which would grow hard and rough without it. The cultivation of a uniform courtesy, a willingness to do by others as we would like them to do by us, would banish half the ills of life.
(AH 421.1)
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Courtesy Begins in the Home—If we would have our children practice kindness, courtesy, and love, we ourselves must set them the example.
(AH 421.2)
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Courtesy, even in little things, should be manifested by the parents toward each other. Universal kindness should be the law of the house. No rude language should be indulged; no bitter words should be spoken.
(AH 421.3)
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All may possess a cheerful countenance, a gentle voice, a courteous manner; and these are elements of power. Children are attracted by a cheerful, sunny demeanor. Show them kindness and courtesy, and they will manifest the same spirit toward you and toward one another.
(AH 421.4)
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Your courtesy and self-control will have greater influence upon the characters of your children than mere words could have.
(AH 421.5)
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Mutual Kindness Makes Home a Paradise—By speaking kindly to their children and praising them when they try to do right, parents may encourage their efforts, make them very happy, and throw around the family circle a charm which will chase away very dark shadow and bring cheerful sunlight in. Mutual kindness and forbearance will make home a Paradise and attract holy angels into the family circle; but they will flee from a house where there are unpleasant words, fretfulness, and strife. Unkindness, complaining, and anger shut Jesus from the dwelling.
(AH 421.6)
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