A hallmark of Jesus’ teaching is His command that the respectful behavior of His followers must transcend that of non-believers. Our respect is first and foremost directed to the Lord, as John Chrysostom reminds, “We must not mind insulting men, if by respecting them we offend God.” (Archbishop of Constantinople who lived 349–407 AD) Love and respect the Lord FIRST, but the second of the great commandments is “love your neighbor” (Mark 12:29-31).
I want to fulfill His command, loving God and people, but I have figured out that some people are easier to love than others. Honestly, isn’t it that way for you? God blessed me with a great wife and great daughters, so it’s not hard to love and to respect them. Both of my daughters are awesome! What’s not to love and respect? For example, Rozy is completing masters classes during her junior year, representing the ORU School of Education, serving as a chaplain this year – head chaplain next year, leading worship, loving missions. Yes, it’s easy to respect her.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls us to go far beyond what common people would expect. Jesus commands, “Love your family.” Okay, a little effort, I can do that. “Love your neighbors.” Hmm, a little harder, but I don’t have to see them everyday. “Love those who treat you well.” Alright, now You’re talking, Jesus – I will do that! “Love your enemies.” Do what? Are you serious, Jesus? I mean . . . come on!
You have heard people say, “Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.” But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong. If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for that? Even tax collectors love their friends. If you greet only your friends, what’s so great about that? Don’t even unbelievers do that? But you must always act like your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:43-48 CEV)
If anyone should show proper respect in our modern society, it should be Christ-followers. The scope of a disciple’s respect is quite large. We must respect EVERYONE! That’s exactly what God’s Word commands.
“Show proper respect to everyone.” (1 Peter 2:17 NIV)
Unfortunately, rude behavior by church-going folk is too often exhibited on Sunday afternoons at local restaurants. Several restaurant servers have expressed to me their displeasure of working Sunday after church because the church crowd tips so poorly. “Christians” can be loud, demanding, disrespectful, impatient, and stingy with tips. Could the stinginess be a carry-over attitude from the morning offering?
To live in fear of God means that we live before God and the rest of reality in such a way that there is never contempt within us. We take nothing for granted, everything as a gift. We have respect. We are always poised for surprise before the mystery of God, others, and ourselves. All boredom and contempt is an infallible sign that we have fallen out of a healthy fear of God. (Ronald Rolheiser, The Shattered Lantern, 2004, p. 117)
Why should you show respect? I bet you could identify thousands of reasons, but here are four excellent reasons for showing respect to every person.
#1 God created people.
Humans beings are created by God. The Book of Genesis is clear that out of all of creation only humanity is made in the image of God. The psalmist praised the Lord, “You (God) made man inferior only to yourself; you crowned him with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:5)
Sometimes it’s hard for us to look beyond the fallen part of humanity – carnal, sinful, selfish, rude individuals – to see the image of God in people. There are people who do worthless things, but there are no worthless people. There are people who do wrong actions but they are all of value to God. Even the most unlovable person is loved by God.
#2 Jesus Christ died for people.
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The cross shows how much people matter to God. God made them, Christ died for them. No matter what you think; whether you like them or not; that individual is someone for whom Christ died. John 3:16 expresses God’s heart, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (NIV).” With His precious blood Christ paid the price to save humans. You may not think much about somebody, but God does. He considers people worth the price of His sacrifice. “Yet the proof of God’s amazing love is this: that it was while we were sinners that Christ died for us.”(Romans 5:8 PHILLIPS)
He thinks you were worth the effort. “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7b NIV) Jesus Christ died for you, but He also rose again. His resurrected life is now available to empower you to live in Him. Everyday, we can celebrate the Festival (Passover) when we live Christlike lives (1 Corinthians 5:8).
#3 Respect shows you really know God.
Respect for people is proof that you know God. “God is love, and anyone who doesn’t love others has never known him.” (1 John 4:8 CEV) God is love and if you know God then you’re going to fill your life with love. “It isn’t rude.” (1 Corinthians 13:5a GW) Love treats people with respect.
If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both. (1 John 4:20-21 MSG)
#4 You get back what you give out.
Seedtime and harvest, the law of reciprocity, seedfaith living – you reap what you plant. “A man’s harvest in life will depend entirely on what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7 PHILLIPS) The old proverb is true: “Whatever goes around comes around.” For every kick there is a kick back.
Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8 MSG)
The Bible clearly sets you up – whatever you want in life, you give out and you’ll get back. If you want people to smile at you, you smile at them. If you want to be respected, treat other people with respect. If you want to be treated and valued with dignity, treat other people with value and dignity.
“You do yourself a favor when you are kind.” (Proverbs 11:17a GNT) Rudeness is expensive. “Cruel people will be rewarded with trouble.” (Proverbs 11:17b ERV) Do want respect? Give respect. Show respect and receive respect. Respect the people around you, the people over you, EVERYONE!
