Character Strength Showing Respect

Showing respect and being worthy of respect matters to God.  All human beings have value, regardless of their status in life or their behaviour.  We show respect to others when we treat them as we want them to treat us.  The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-17) were given by God to His people to show them how to honour God and live respectfully with each other.  The first four commandments teach people how to honour God, their creator.  The following six teach them about respecting their parents and living morally in peaceful harmony with their neighbours. 

It is God’s will that we respect our parents, people in authority, people around us, and their property.  This is particularly difficult when we face those who have harmed us.  No matter how badly others have treated us, God’s commandments do not change regarding the attitude we are to have towards them.  It is God’s standard that, as we forgive those who have been disrespectful towards us, God will forgive us for the disrespectful ways we have behaved towards them.  

As people of God, we should be respectful towards everyone.  Let’s pray each day for the grace of God to help us practice His principles in all our affairs.

Prayer:  Gracious God, I am thankful that You love and care for me.  Help me to honour and respect You in my thoughts, motivation, and desires, and in all I say and do.  Strengthen and help me to show respect to each person I meet, even when I disagree with their ways.  Help me to leave all judgment of others with You.  Amen