Be Nice To People

As I was driving to the grocery store today, I witnessed something that I have seen my entire life. I would guess that you have seen it too. Have you ever noticed when two or more motorcyclists pass by each other they almost always wave, or nod, or signal a gesture toward the other rider? It’s just a simple, nice expression of respect and unity because they share a common bond, riding.

Being a fellow motorcycle enthusiast, I totally get it. Any rider will typically tell you that the experience, the freedom, and joy of riding is a big part of their lives, and they enjoy sharing that experience with others.

However, if you took those same two people and put them in their car or truck, behind a windshield and a thin door, would they wave to each other when passing by? My money says, nope. More likely, the two drivers would be completely oblivious to the other. Worse, they might cut the other one off, curse at the other, or show a “not-so-nice” gesture this time.

This begs the question, why? Why do we treat people certain ways in one setting, and different in other settings. Do we not all share common bonds? Do we not all need and deserve love and respect? Jesus (God) thought so. He thought you were worthy enough to suffer, die, pay the penalty for your sins, and beat death by rising from His grave. He offers you the victory over death too, if you just accept his free gift.

However, I’m not going to just address fellow Christians, though we are called explicitly to lift one another up. See verses 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:23-25, 1 Peter 4:8-10, Ephesians 4:29, Galatians 6:2, Hebrews 13:2, and many more. I am saying this is a universal truth for all mankind. We can disagree, we can live completely different lives and have opposing beliefs. However, there is no reason not to be nice, considerate, and polite to one another. A simple wave and smile absolutely brightens someone’s day. It may even brighten yours too!