Basic Christian Behavior - Part 2 "Respect"

What does it mean to respect someone or treat someone with respect? Do you think that people in general respect each other? Hopefully we do, but there are obviously times we do not. Why? Some would say "Respect has to be earned." Others might say "I'll treat someone with respect if they treat me with respect." What about people with different views? What about those in positions of authority?

Let's look at the definition proved by Merriam-Webster's on-line dictionary:

• Main Entry: 1re·spect
  Pronunciation: \ri-ˈspekt\
  Function: noun
  Etymology: Middle English, from Latin respectus, literally, act of looking back, from respicere to look back, regard, from re- + specere to look — more at spy
  Date: 14th century
  1 : a relation or reference to a particular thing or situation 2 : an act of giving particular attention : consideration 3 a : high or special regard : esteem b : the quality or state of being
  
  

Now that we know the official definition of respect, would you say that in the past we respect people. Most of us would probably say "it depends". Just watch TV, listen to some of the music, just walk around, or listen to ourselves. I know that there are times I am not.


I would say that respect really boils down to a heart issue. Take a look what Luke wrote:

• Luke 6:45 (New International Version)
  45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

So if the problem is in our hearts, then we need to clean it up. Right? This would go back to last weeks message on love. We have to love people in order to truly respect them. The kind of love God has for us, unconditional.

Here is a good verse for ALL of us to start with:

• Ephesians 4:29 (New International Version)
  29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

If we will memorize this and say it every time we open our mouths, WOW. We have to replace the evil in our hearts with things that build each other up, instead of tearing down. By the way, this goes for body language as much as it does with our mouths.

You know that God created us as equals in His eyes. We may have different functions, gifts, and abilities, but equal. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. That verse pretty much sums that up. So let's try to show respect for one another.

Steve