Etiquette in Communication

Pope Shenouda III reflects on the words of the Lord Christ to John the Baptist: “Permit it now, that we may fulfill all righteousness,” drawing from them a lesson about gentleness in speech and proper manners in communication.
Although Christ possessed authority, He did not use a harsh command, but spoke gently and asked for permission.
The Pope emphasizes that gentleness and kindness in dealing with others are clear characteristics of the Lord Christ’s manner.
He called His disciples friends and brothers, and dealt with Judas, the Samaritan woman, the repentant thief, and Peter with words that did not hurt their feelings, even when there was error or failure.
He also explains that this manner of respect was not limited to the Lord Christ, but was also evident in the lives of the Virgin Mary, the fathers, and the saints.

Spiritual Message

The saints teach us that the more a person grows spiritually, the more humble and gentle he becomes in dealing with others.
The Pope presents examples from the lives of Abraham, Jacob, David, Abigail, Saint Anthony, and others, showing how a gentle word could calm anger and win hearts.
He explains that verbal violence does not lead to true change, whereas gentleness and a kind word can open the heart and influence a person.
He also explains that gentleness does not mean giving up the truth; a person can offer advice or correct a mistake in a respectful manner without hurting the feelings of others.

Educational Lesson

Christian teaching calls us to learn how to speak to others with respect, whether they are older or younger than us, or even when we disagree with them.
The Pope gives examples of saints who avoided giving harsh commands and preferred that their personal conduct become the teaching that others could see and follow.
He also highlights the example of Saint Paul, who warned and instructed with tears, rather than with violence or authority.
The purpose of speaking and correcting is not to insult a person, but to help him repent and grow.

Practical Application

We should examine our daily words and avoid using hurtful or insulting expressions, even in moments of anger.
When we want to advise someone or correct a mistake, we should choose gentle words that preserve the person’s dignity and help him accept the advice.
The essential lesson is to imitate the gentleness of Christ and the kindness of His saints, winning others through a good word and meekness, rather than through violence and harshness.

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