We need to respect other people, so that we can earn their respect in turn.
A thin book that can be torn up.
1 Peter 2:17.
Respect is having an accepting attitude, rather than rejecting and mocking
people whose appearance, ideas, race, religion, traditions, cultures and
practices are different from your own.
There was a teen who kept hamsters and white mice as pets. At one time
he forgot to feed them, and several days later found that many had died from
hunger and lack of water. It was all his fault as he did not care for
them as he should have done. He was very upset by this and realised
that he needed to show respect to other people, but also show respect to
himself (self-respect) and to his possessions.
Respect thus means that we should:
- Avoid insulting, interrupting or being rude to other people.
- Listen to, and treat others with honour and consideration.
- Show concern, love, care and kindness to all we meet and interact
- Show respect for the property, belongings and possessions of other
I have here one of my books. Now, it's my book so you cannot have a look
at it (Hug it to your chest
). I can do with it what I like
See, I'll fold it so that it will fit into my pocket (Fold
the book in half and stuff it into your pocket
). You want to see
what's in my book? OK, then have a page! (Tear out a page and give
it to someone
You want one too? Here, take this! (Tear out several pages and give
it to some of the kids). In fact I think this book is rubbish!
(Tear the book into several pieces). There, now it's fit for the
rubbish bin and I don't want it any more! (Throw the pieces into the air
and wipe your hands as if you are pleased to have got rid of it).
Well that's no way to show respect for a book is it? Just try it at your
school or library and you'll be in deep trouble! No, we need to treat
other people's belongings with respect. We also need to show respect
to our parents, friends, teachers and authorities and above all, to God.
Proverbs 9:10 tells us that:
"The fear (or respect) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
Instead of being insulting, interrupting or being rude to others, we need to
listen to others, be respectful to them and treat them with kindness, love
The Son and the Farmers:
Jesus told a story about a man who owned a vineyard and rented it out to some
farmers. At harvest time He sent one of His servants to get some of the
grapes. But the farmers beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed.
The owner then sent two other servants but they beat them up as well.
Finally he decided to send his son as he thought they would respect him.
But when the farmers saw the son, they said, "This is the heir. Let's
kill him and then the vineyard will be ours." And so they threw the son
out of the vineyard and killed him (Luke 20:9-16).
The owner (who represents God) thought that they would surely respect His Son,
but the tenants (Israel's leaders) killed Jesus. They had no shame or
fear of God's authority.
Do you respect God's authority and obey what He commands?
We need to start with the Bible. I have mine here. It is God's Word
and we need to read it and obey it. The Bible teaches children to
respect their parents. Ephesians 6:1-3 says:
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right (it pleases the
Honour your father and mother ...
that it may go well with you
and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
The Bible also teaches us to respect others and older people.
1 Peter 2:17 says, "Show proper respect to everyone" and Leviticus 19:32a
says, "Rise in the presence of the aged and show respect for the elderly."
Does your behaviour and attitude show respect for others? If not, then
start showing respect today and be kind and have good manners. This
begins when you put the needs and interests of others before your own.
Are you willing to do this?
Most importantly we must obey, serve and worship God with reverence and
respect. In Psalm 119:15, David set out to do this:
"I will think about Your commandments and teachings,
and have respect to Your ways."
Next time you go to church, be on your best behaviour and remember that God
is right there with you. When you pray, close your eyes and
concentrate on God. Leviticus 19:32b says:
"Worship God with reverence."
So when you sing praises and worship, think how big and good God is and how
much He loves you.
Earning Respect from Others:
One thing I know is that if you have respect, other people will respect you
as well. God will bless your life and you will grow as a Christian
in a way that will be pleasing to God.
Why not start today and ask God to help you respect all people?
Click here for the Study Sheet
I want you collect a work sheet and test what respect you have in your life.
Also write down what you should do in order to improve your
performance in each area:
- True Respect:
Does your behaviour and attitude show disrespect for others?
True respect and good manners begin when we respect ourselves (self-respect)
and learn to put the needs and interests of others before our own.
Does your daily interaction with others include: "Please", "Thank you" and
- Respect for God:
Read Psalm 119:15, "I will meditate on (think about and study) Your
precepts (principles, commandments and teachings), and have respect to
Do you obey and serve God and worship Him with reverence and respect?
- Respect for Parents:
Read Ephesians 6:1-3, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is
right (it pleases the Lord). Honour your father and mother - which
is the first commandment with a promise - that it may go well with you
and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
Do you respect, honour and obey your parents?
- Respect for Authority:
Read 1 Peter 2:13-14, "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every
authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme
authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do
wrong and to commend those who do right."
Do you show respect for those in authority by keeping the laws of the
- Respect for Others:
Read 1 Peter 2:17, "Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood
Read Leviticus 19:32, "Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for
the elderly and revere your God (worship God with reverence)."
Are you kind to, and respect family, friends, and strangers and older
- Growing like Jesus:
Read Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving
one another, just as in Christ, God forgave you."
Do you show kindness and love to others and do you have a Christ-like
behaviour which brings "favour with man"?
As you grow as a Christian, you will have the satisfaction of seeing your
life shine as a witness to all, bringing honour to God and drawing others
to His Son. Lastly, God will have respect for you, as Leviticus
26:9,12 tells us: "I will look on you with favour (have respect for you)
... I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people."