By Ann Weaver
Most of us have that person it’s hard to respect. Whether it’s because they’re rude, unkind, or just kind of weird, respecting Sometimes it can seem impossible. But, whenever something seems impossible, the first thing we should do is go to Scripture and see what the Lord says about it.
Many times when we are told of a good man, we hear he was respected. Also, when we are told of people or a group that did not honor the Lord, it’s common that they did not respect people. For example, in Lamentations 5:12, it says that “...Elders were not respected.” by the Babylonians.
As well, in the case that their husbands are “…disobedient to the word.” (1 Peter 3:1) wives are told to have “…chaste and respectful behavior” towards them. However, it’s important to be respectful at all times. Most of us are future wives, and it’s important for us to put character traits into practice that will be important in the future!
Who exactly are we to show respect towards?
All people are to be respected, as it says in 1 Peter 2:17 “Honor all men…”.
One of the most important groups of people we should show respect to are the elderly. This is highlighted in Deuteronomy 28:50. It says that a “nation with fierce countenance…” has “…no respect for the old…” The people of Israel were told this about an enemy nation, as something to fear!
Remember, it’s not just people older than you that we are to be respectful towards. People younger than you also deserve respect. Your little sister, the small children at church, and even that girl who’s six years younger than you, who thinks you’re her best friend deserve a type of respect from you.
Respect for those younger than us isn’t shown in the same way as it would be with someone older. This respect is a different type, showing how they are still to be regarded with care and honor as a person. Often we get so wrapped up with remembering to honor the adults or the elderly, we forget that the people younger than us are to be respected as well.
Even though it’s difficult, people who we see as rivals or even enemies also deserve respect. Respect can come in many different forms, and it’s important to realize that every person has been made in the image of God.
We must never treat anyone lower than a human being. Whether a friend, incompetent politician or even a prisoner, everyone deserves some measure of civility. Respect isn’t just for the people you like; it’s for everyone.
When you feel that respecting someone specific is difficult, pray that you may have the strength and grace to respect the person at all times and circumstances. Learning a person’s motivations or feelings on something can also help you realize that they are not as you thought they are.
Make respecting others a priority. Endeavor to listen and care for other people, just as you would wish them to do to you, and be careful to respect others as God desires us to. It will be pleasing in His eyes.
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