In his new book “Please, Sorry, Thanks,” Mark Batterson makes the case that baseline standards of “treating each other with respect and honor, and…as the image of God” are more important than ever.
The lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., says using please, sorry, and thanks should be part of our “lifestyle” rather than just empty words.
Batterson, who led an Easter sunrise service yesterday at the Lincoln Memorial, spoke to Fox News Digital about his latest book, which released on April 4. In the interview, the pastor pointed to Jesus as our standard for how to view and treat other people.
Mark Batterson: ‘Words Matter Now More Than Ever’
Today’s culture needs a “rising tide of civility,” said Batterson, emphasizing that civility must go beyond mere politeness. Because of society’s fast pace, growing tensions, and fast-changing nature, people “are not good at disagreeing” anymore, he added. “It seems as if everybody’s blaming everybody else for everything, and that’s just not going to get us where we need to go.”
Every setting, including the workplace, needs “certain baselines” of people-honoring and Christ-honoring conduct, noted the pastor. “Our words have the power to bless or to curse,” he said. “Words matter now more than ever…These words have to be expressions of how we see the person who is right in front of us. And we have to make sure that we’re humanizing people more than we’re demonizing people.”
Peacemaking is a key factor in that, according to Batterson’s new book. It sets forth important peacemaking principles such as listening well, disagreeing freely, and loving regardless. Treating other people with genuine respect, Batterson said, “creates an atmosphere where people feel seen, heard, and understood.”
Mark Batterson: ‘We Should Hear People’s Stories’
Batterson, 53, said that “Jesus set a high standard” for how to relate to and interact with one another. Humility is paramount, he said, noting that we should “reserve the right to get smarter later.” Other necessary qualities the pastor listed include empathy, understanding, and “non-anxious curiosity toward each other.”
Instead of being so “quick to write each other off,” said Batterson, we need to remember that everyone is fighting some type of battle. He urged Christ-followers to truly listen to people’s stories and to “love each other despite our differences.” Batterson also encouraged readers to “check their ego at the door” and to be impressive by not trying to impress others.
