However, when it comes to graciousness in public transport, most would agree that there is plenty of room for improvement. Hence, some people doubted the results of this survey.
Are local commuters really that gracious? Some say the real situation in trains and buses is less rosy, and question if there is a disconnect between what the respondents said and actually did. Several netizens expressed scepticism about the results of the poll. “Please tell the 94% that action speaks louder than words,” said one netizen on the poll results. On the other hand, a netizen said he witnessed gracious acts by some commuters, which he found heart-warming. Ungracious behaviour tends to get a lot more exposure on social media, so that the impression held by the general public is that commuters are not gracious as they are. However, there are many gracious acts like people giving up their seats and moving to the centre, which are not reported.
Ephesians 4:32 in the bible exhorts believers to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Peter in 1 Peter 1:22 exhorts us – “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.” In 1 Peter 4:8-9, he says “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.“ Gal 6:10 says “therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
As Singapore strives to be a gracious society, likewise, we as Christians are exhorted and commanded to be gracious to one other. Be kind and compassionate and love each other fervently. Let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
We can start first by being gracious at home. Say “may I” or “please” if you need someone’s help in the family. Say “thank you.” Do a kind deed; be courteous and helpful at home. Be kind and considerate to one another. Be sensitive to the needs of others. Be willing to give way, say “sorry” when you are in the wrong. Be willing to lend a helping hand. Do not take one another for granted. Do not use harsh words with each other. Do not get angry easily. Do not be harsh towards each other. Do not frustrate and irritate each other. Do not say unkind and hurting words to each other. Put on a smile and always be ready to forgive and forget. Pray with, and, for one another.
Extend the same graciousness to our church family. Be kind towards one another in church, love each other, forgive and overlook the faults of others. Say a kind word and encourage each other in the faith and for the gospel work. Extend the same graciousness to our work place and society.
This is done so that others may see the good work in us and glorify our Father in heaven. Let us start being gracious at home, in church, in our school, in the workplace and to society at large. Let us make an impact for a gracious home, church, society and country. May our good Lord grant us strength and courage to make a difference to our home, church and country, and to be more gracious so that others may see Christ in us.
As our church gospel meet is just round the corner, may we extend our invitation with grace to our unsaved loved ones and friends. May they be won to Christ through our graciousness, to come and join us in the gospel rally and be saved to salvation grace through the word of God.