Noblesse Oblige

Should our behavior toward others be based upon who they are or who we are?

There is a story told about Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Empress of India. Her Majesty was hosting a formal banquet with many government officials and foreign dignitaries. All was well until one man, seated at the far end of the table, picked up his finger bowl. A finger bowl is meant for cleaning your fingers between courses. This man, unaccustomed to the finery that comes with the royal dining experience, grabbed his bowl with both hands and gulped down its contents. The other guests began mocking him for his blunder. Noticing the rude behavior of her guests, Queen Victoria responded by taking her own finger bowl in both hands and drinking from it. This left the scoffers no choice but to follow suit themselves! In one small action, Her Majesty saved the guest from crippling embarrassment and taught the rest of the assembly an important lesson about noblesse oblige.

Noblesse oblige comes from the French language, translating to “nobility obligates.” The term speaks to a belief that moral obligation falls upon all those who are rich, powerful, or highborn. It is their added responsibility to act not just honorably, but generously toward all—and in all situations. This concept has often been connected with Luke 12:48, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.” Christian behavior must be based on our acknowledgement of God’s rich grace bestowed upon us. He has certainly treated us far better than we deserve.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls His followers to a higher way of living. The Lord’s command is that we should be loving even to those who are hateful and unjust. This code of conduct demands that members of the Lord’s church behave far better than the standard expectations of society. Jesus’ question, “What do you do more than others?” should continue to stir hearts and minds in a more noble direction (Mt. 5:43-48; Lk. 6:32-36). Our generosity of spirit must be firmly rooted in whose we are—acting in such a way as to follow the example of the Heavenly Father.

It is vital that we learn that the world should not have to earn good behavior from the child of God. This principle is upheld repeatedly in Scripture. Members of the body of Christ are taught to “honor all people” and to “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:17-21; 1 Pet. 2:17). As God’s “own special people” the blessing of our relationship with Him brings certain responsibilities (1 Pet. 2:9; 3:8-9). We must speak and act with grace, forgiving others “even as Christ forgave [us]” (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13; 4:6). What’s more, consider the greatest lovingkindness we can bestow on others, facilitating the process of their obedience to the gospel (Prov. 11:30; Jn. 4:36). Through this important work, we grow the family of God (Jn. 1:12; 1 Jn. 3:1).

Each of us has an obligation to treat others with love and generosity. Not based upon any tie to the wealth of this earth or its ruling families, but rather our blessed connection to our Sovereign Lord and the throne of the Kingdom of Heaven. May we cheerfully perform what is our duty and our privilege.