When I was a child, we were not allowed to burp at the table. My mother continually reminded us that it was rude and that it offended other people.

While my two brothers and I were self-controlled in my mother’s presence, we frequently engaged in burping contests when she was out of earshot.  Although it was funny to us, it was not enjoyable for others who had to endure our unseemly behavior.

What we failed to consider was how our rude behavior affected other people.

In 1 Corinthians 13:5, we are told that love

“does not behave itself unseemly.”

You can replace the word “unseemly” with “unbecomingly” or “rude.”  Basically, the verse is saying that when we love as we should, we will be careful not to let anything we do be offensive to others.  Our behavior affects those around us.

Therefore, before we do anything, we should always ask the question, “How is this going to affect others?”  If there is the slightest possibility that our behavior could be considered rude or inconsiderate, then out of love, we should step back and reconsider what we are doing.

Love always considers others first, and that is why rudeness of any sort has no place in a Christian’s life.