Respect has become an endangered value over the past few decades. We live in the “Age of Irreverence,” where sarcasm rules the day and everyone loves a good put down.
Yet the Bible makes it clear that stable families — and stable societies — are built around respect. The Bible commands us to honor our parents, respect civil authority, and respect church leaders. Wives are called to respect husbands in Ephesians. In the book of 1 Peter, husbands are called to respect wives. Just to make it clear that the Bible leaves no one out, the Bible also tells us to “show proper respect to everyone”.
Everyone, regardless of beliefs or behaviors, is worthy of respect. God doesn’t make junk. No one is worthless. People make wrong decisions all the time, but they are still valuable to God. Even the most unlovable person in the world is loved by God. You may not place much value in certain people, but God does. In fact, He says every person you meet is worth dying for. If a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God — for God is love. Love always treats people with respect. You’ll get back whatever you give out. It’s the law of the harvest. Whatever goes around comes around. If you want to be respected, you must treat other people with respect.
Every person you meet today is worthy of your respect. How will that change your behavior? Who do you have the most trouble showing respect to? Why? What are some ways you can “fill your life with love”?
From: Every Person is Worthy of Respect by Rick Warren
1 Peter 2:17 ~ Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.
1 John 4:8 ~ But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
“Dear Lord, thank you for loving us in spite of our failures, wrong decisions, and our lack of respect for your children. Help us to respect and love others like you do, to see others like you see them. It’s in the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.”