10/19/11 GIVING (SHOWING) RESPECT TO OTHERS

10/19/11 GIVING (SHOWING) RESPECT TO OTHERS

We often hear that respect is something that has to be earned. I think it is true that we should not expect respect unless we earn it, and then we should not necessarily expect it. However, respect is something we give because we should give it. If we only show respect to those who earn it, we would live in a world with little respect or dignity. Our respectfulness lifts the dignity of those around us.

PROBLEM... AND PROBLEM SOLVED

The problem is, when a person only shows respect to those he deems worthy, then he has put himself in the position of being a judge. If his judgment is faulty, the proper respect will not be shown. Also, if a person is prejudiced against someone, again, he will withhold proper respect. The more narrow a person is, and the less grace-full a person is, the more they will disrespect other people.

Do we really want other people to judge us by the same standards that we judge them? Do we want God to deal with us in the same way we deal with other people?

Romans 12:3
(3) For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Romans 12:10
(10) Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

1 Corinthians 4:7
(7) For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

Philippians 2:3
(3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

James 3:14-18
(14) But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
(15) This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
(16) For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
(17) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
(18) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.