Common courtesy is becoming less common every day. And that's too bad, because God says, '...be courteous...that you might inherit a blessing' (1 Peter 3:8-9 NKJ). We wonder about pleasing God. Preachers have made it complicated; a series of long, drawn-out, deeply painful acts designed to appease a peeved deity Who takes delight in making us squirm. But Micah simplifies it, '...what does the Lord require of you...to love kindness...' (Micah 6:8). Could language be clearer? Here are ten 'not-so-common' courtesies you might want to work on: (1) go out of your way to speak to people: 'Pleasant words are...healing...' (Proverbs 16:24) (2) try to remember their names - it shows that you value them (3) smile; it increases your face value (4) be friendly and helpful. If you do, people will reciprocate (Proverbs 18:24) (5) show genuine interest. You can like almost anybody if you try (6) be generous with your praise and cautious with your criticism (7) be slow to judge. There are three sides to every story - your side, their side, and the right side (8) seek to be of service; '...by love, serve one another' (Galatians 5:13) (9) learn to trust people; it builds lasting relationships (10) finally, add a sense of humor, a good dose of patience, and a dash of humility. Courtesy says a lot about the parents who raised you and the family you belong to. Jesus said, '...Live so that [people] will...praise your Father...' (Matthew 5:16).