By Al Felder Some people think courtesy is too small to be spiritual. They think of it as manners, etiquette, or personal preference. Saying “thank you,” speaking kindly, holding a door, listening carefully, cleaning up after yourself, respecting someone’s time, and being mindful of others may seem like small matters compared to larger questions of faith. However, Jesus’ teaching reaches into the small places. He said, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also t

By Al Felder Some of the most revealing moments in life are not dramatic. They happen after we use a room, finish a meal, borrow something, speak in frustration, leave a conversation, or pass through a place someone else will use next. In those ordinary moments, we reveal whether we are thinking only about ourselves or considering the people who come after us. The Golden Rule says, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12). That command r

By Al Felder The cross is the greatest picture of love in action. Many people speak of kindness as though it is mainly a feeling—being pleasant, gentle, or friendly. Those qualities matter, but the kindness of Christ goes far deeper. His kindness did not remain in heaven as a thought. It came into the world. It walked among sinners. It served the undeserving. It moved toward the greatest need man has ever had. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, bu