Henry Drummond, whose small book we have recommended, The Greatest Thing in the World, explains this as the "fifth ingredient" of love, and defines it "courtesy" (8). He elaborates, "This is love in society, love in relation to etiquette. ... Politeness has been defined as love in trifles. Courtesy is said to be love in little things. And the one secret of politeness is to love. Love cannot behave itself unseemly" (8). This is an interesting word choice, "unseemly." What does it mean exactly?
Dictionary-reference.com defines it as "not in keeping with established standards of taste and proper form; unbecoming or indecorous in appearance, speech, conduct, etc.; an unseemly act; unseemly behavior." Additionally, unseemly means "inappropriate for time or place."
It has been said that if you love, if you love God, if you love your fellow man, you will automatically keep all the Commandments. The same is true for deporting yourself harmoniously in any situation, with anyone, in any culture, in any circumstance. When consciousness glows with even a small pinpoint of love -- in the way of compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, gentleness -- words and actions will be at least polite. Oppositely, the unseemliness of words and actions fueled by anger, self-righteousness, cold indifference, fear, and so forth, leads to discord and strife, and to scenes that may later cause remorse, embarrassment, and require a good deal of forgiveness.
The love that does not "behave itself unseemly" is not personal love which could switch to animosity be tainted or lost. The real love is God's love, the Love that is the one I AM. It is the nature of the Infinite. Know that since "man" is the "image and likeness" of God (Gen. 1:26), you reflect and include in your eternal identity, this perfect Love that is all Light and never feels less than absolute peace and lovingkindness. Nothing is lost in a mirror -- it shows everything that is before it. Just so, you include the fullness of God's Love right now and always. Holding to this fact about yourself, you will feel it and express it more and more. It will take over for you in situations that are uncomfortable or fearful. It will protect you and govern your words and actions.
To nurture this outcome, be sure to take at least five minutes to prayerfully meditate on this truth about yourself reflecting the perfect Love that is God. Do this each day at least one time -- more is better -- you cannot do it too much! When one does not behave unseemly, this additionally acts as a mental medicine that permeates the body "searching the joints and marrow" so that health shows forth more tangibly (Hebrews 4:12). No part of body can act in an unseemly manner when Love brings its healing presence to every cell and fibre. Prayerfully meditate on Love as Light, "in whom in no darkness at all" -- nothing unseemly at all (I John 1:5).
Drummond, Henry (2011-01-01). The Greatest Thing in the World, Experience the Enduring Power of Love (p. 8). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
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