I have been having a few thoughts about respect recently after reading several postings, that it must be earned. I have read and heard that people who have built a large business, a large income or are enjoying a considerable amount of worldly success have earned the right to be respected; perhaps.
But what of the lowly, the meek, the humble, do they not also deserve respect? The sick, the hungry, the suffering, can they earn respect? The rude, the inconsiderate, the insufferable, do we offer respect when we ourselves are being disrespected?
I suppose that it is somewhat true in our society that if you want to receive respect you must behave in a respectful, responsible way, as we all of course should, for this reflects upon our Christian testimony. But what of offering Christian respect, how are we to respond?
Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You – Luke 6:31
And do not wait for them to deserve it.
Consider others better than yourselves – Philippians 2:3
Be quick to listen, be slow to anger – James 1:19
Blessed are the meek, the humble – Matthew 5:5
This is Christian respect.
That we show Christ’s love to others and not our superiority or impatience with them. When we would really rather “zing” them, we should instead turn the other cheek. I wonder if we can truly earn respect, or can we only really be respectful.
I don’t think respect can be earned, like an income or a privilege, sadly, some people will not respect you no matter what you do. Even so, God is good all the time.
I think perhaps that respect must be freely granted, that offering respect is a decision; just as forgiving the lack of respect received must also be decided.
Respect must be granted, and a grant is not something that is repaid, it is a gift offered to another. I will hold the door open for someone and not wait until they deserve me to. I will be courteous even if I am not responded to in like manner.
I will remember the words of Jesus, and try to follow them.
I do not think that we can wait for someone to deserve respect before we offer it. Allow the fruit of the Spirit to work through you as we may struggle with respecting others.
For While We Were Yet Sinners Christ Died For Us – Romans 5:8
Jesus did not wait for us to be worthy of redemption.
Respect, In The Name Of Jesus
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