“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 for all (everyone) matters.
“Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.” – Romans 12:17-18
What does it mean to show respect?
“Respect, also called esteem, is a positive feeling or action shown towards someone or something considered important or held in high esteem or regard. It conveys a sense of admiration for good or valuable qualities. It is also the process of honouring someone by exhibiting care, concern, or consideration for their needs or feelings.” – Wikipedia
This concept of respect translates into relationships. When one chooses his independence over the relationship he has with others, he in effect is choosing those people to become objects that he can manipulate to find his own “happiness”. In the end, it is a tool for strong-willed people to conform others to their will and show no respect to the other person at all.
“The only true disability is the inability to accept and respect differences.” – Unknown
How does one achieve respect with a Biblical view in mind?
Many scriptures teach us about respect, please see this respect link for some scriptures:
The following scripture stood out: “For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don’t have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. (Romans 12:4-5 (continue reading to verse 20))
Perhaps respect is best manifested in compassion. Jesus calls those who follow Him to be moved by the pain of others so that we can embrace those who are hurting. In doing so we become part of God’s plan to relieve suffering in the world. Jesus describes it as follows: “Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful. Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged.
Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Set free, and you will be set free. “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure, it will be measured back to you.” He spoke a parable to them. “Can the blind guide the blind? Won’t they both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:36-40)
The Bible Project has an excellent video to put this concept into perspective, both from God’s view and human’s view.
The Christian challenge to us
Jesus makes it clear in the above scripture that, if we follow Him we become His disciples and are not above Him. This means we cannot expect any other treatment than what Jesus has already endured. The world did not, and still does not, show Him any respect. Therefore if we follow in His footsteps we should not expect to receive respect from the world either. This character trait of having respect for others can also be translated into the journey we are on, and having our ultimate heavenly destination as our goal.
Matthew Henry described it as follows: “Let them not promise themselves more honour or pleasure in the world than Christ had, nor aim at the worldly pomp and grandeur which he was never ambitious of, but always declined, nor affect that power in secular things which he would not assume; but everyone that would show himself perfect, and established disciple, let him be as his Master – dead to the world, and everything in it, as his Master is; let him live a life of labour and self-denial as his Master doth, and make himself a servant of all; let him stoop, and let him toil, and do all the good he can, and then he will be a complete disciple.”
We can show respect for Jesus’ mission on earth by following His example completely and in turn have His grace and love to show respect to those around us, even those who are undeserving of it.
Twist in the challenge
“Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” -1 Peter 2:17
What does it mean to honour the king? Daniel is our best example of this. He obeyed and respected the king, a king who took him prisoner as a young man to serve him. Daniel did this, as long as it did not infringe on God’s commandments, leading him to the lion’s den and his friends to the fiery furnace! But they emerged victoriously.
To quote: “Jesus answered them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” They marvelled greatly at him.” (Mark 12:17) We bring honour to God if we respect our government despite all the inadequacies they might have. We will do well to remember our choices and that our government is not stronger than God’s purposes. His will always prevail. The following link to Got Questions has more on this concept
Conclusion
The above does not mean we are blind to others’ faults, and when needed confront sin. It does however mean we need to do it in a manner that honours God and shows respect, not only to Him but also to everyone He has created.
May we hold God’s perspective of us in such high regard that we will respect not only His will but also that of His creation. May we honour Jesus for the sacrifices He had made, by manifesting Jesus’ care, concern and consideration for others’ needs above that of our own.
More Infomation
The link Bible Respect has more insight on this topic. Also, these video clips below bring the “what to do point” across very well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJJa9f0I8XQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWQMEBjvXa0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADq-YGhtng8
