1. Respect (week 2) ring for
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad
language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with
anger, insults and disagreements
The definition of respect according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary for
students:
Main Entry: 1re·spect
Pronunciation: ri-spekt
Function: noun
1 : relation to or concern with something specified : REFERENCE <with respect
to your last letter>
2 a : high or special regard : ESTEEM b plural : expressions of regard or
courtesy <pay my respects to your family>
3 : 1DETAIL 1b <perfect in all respects>
We live in a time when respect for others and their property is lacking. It is not
uncommon for youths and even adults to show no deference to the aged, those
in authority or those who sacrifice and serve in the community. In the Bible the
virtue of respect is conveyed in the words "honor" and "esteem" (Romans
13:7; 1 Peter 2:17; Matthew 15:4; 1 Timothy 6:16; Philippians 2:3; 1
Thessalonians 5:15). Christians have the duty to honor those to whom
honor is due, and as parents we have an obligation to train our children to
render this respect.
Who do we Honor?
The Bible is specific concerning who is worthy of honor, and why. As a matter of
fact, the list is pretty long.
The Apostle Peter tells us to "honor all men" (I Peter 2:17). This duty is
apparent when one recognizes that as there is no respect of persons with God
(Romans 2:11), there is to be no partiality demonstrated by His people
(James 2:1, 9). We are everyone made in the image of our God and equal
before Him and each other (Genesis 1:26). The deference and respect we
show our fellows says a lot about the view we have of ourselves, and it will
determine God's view of us in the judgment (Romans 12:13; Philippians 2:3;
Luke 1:9-14).
We are also intructed to give honor to those who are the representatives of the
civil government (Romans 13:7). God asks us to obey government because it
is His minister to the saints for their good (Romans 13:4; cf. John 19:11). Thus,
disobedience to government is disobedience to God.

2. There must be mutual respect between husbands and wives (Ephesians
5:33; 1 Peter 3:6-7). This respect is demanded by the nature of the marriage
relation (Ephesians 5:29). Intimacy demands respect and trust (Hebrews
13:4). When these begin to wane greater sins are not far behind.
Likewise, there is to be mutual respect between employer and employee (I
Timothy 6:1-2; Ephesians 6:5-9). The believer who is a supervisor or business
owner must regard his employees as worthy of fair dealing knowing God will hold
him to account. By the same token, the servant or employee must render true
service because he serves the Lord and not man.
The church is called upon to honor their elders "for their works sake" (1
Thessalonians 5:12-13). It is understood that they are men of remarkable
character and by such command respect, but they have humbled themselves
and become the servants of all (Matthew 20:26-28) and have taken the additional
burden of being responsible for the souls of the entire flock (James 3:1; Hebrews
13:17). Such sacrifice and service demands recognition.
Similarly, children are commanded to honor their parents (Ephesians 6:2;
Matthew 15:4). This honor is due because parents have sacrificed so much for
their children (2 Corinthians 12:14; cf. Hosea 11:3; Hebrews 12:8; Job 1:5). They
are the guides, the providers and protectors of their offspring. Their love and
sacrifice should command our respect; this is why God says, "It is right."
Our seniors are worthy of our respect (Leviticus 19:32; Proverbs 20:29).
However, it is again assumed that they command that respect by their character
(Proverbs 16:31; Job 32:9). The aged have attained wisdom through their
experiences and spirituality (Job 12:12). Their lives have been a blessing to their
families and communities because of their accomplishments. Their posterity is
indebted to them for their accomplishments. We do stand on the shoulders of
giants.
Finally, or should I say firstly, the Scriptures enjoin the honor of God
(Revelation 7:12). God is surely worthy of being honored because he is the
Creator (Revelation 4:11). Without Him we are nothing. Our very existence
and our eternal well being are wholly dependent upon Him (Revelation
5:12). We honor God by keeping his commandments (John 14:15).
How Children Learn Respect
They learn through observation. They learn how to honor their parents by
observing how their parents honor one another (Ephesians 5:28, 29), and by
seeing how their parents treat their grandparents (1 Timothy 5:4; Matthew 15:6).
They learn how to honor government by observing how their parents respect the
law (I Peter 2:13-15; Luke 20:25; I Timothy 2:1-2). They learn how to honor their
employers by observing how their parents honor theirs (Ephesians 4:28; 6:6-7; 2

3. Thessalonians 3:10). And, they learn to honor God by observing their parents do
the same (Matthew 6:33).
They learn through instruction. Parents have a duty to God and to their
children to instruct them in the reasons for being respectful (Proverbs 1:8; 4:1;
6:20; Ephesians 6:1-4). These principles equip them for success in life and
prepare them to assume their place in the kingdom. Parents harm their children
by not instructing and re-enforcing these truths (Deuteronomy 6:7-9).
They learn by correction. While it is unfortunate, it is nevertheless often
necessary to apply correction. A failure to do this when it is called for encourages
further disrespect (Ecclesiastes 8:11). For this reason then, God has allowed for
government to punish evildoers (Romans 13:2, 4), the church to correct the
unrepentant (Titus 1:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6), and parents to discipline their
children (Proverbs 13:24).
Being Respected
We observed earlier that when God commands us to respect certain individuals it
is assumed they are respectable. One of the difficult lessons to learn in life is that
we are sometimes disappointed by those whom we have come to respect.
Parents sin (Colossians 3:21); elders digress (1 Timothy 5:19-20); governments
become corrupt (Psalms 9:17); men become wicked (2 Timothy 3:13). In times
like these, we remember that the honor we give others, even the undeserving, is
a reflection of the esteem with which we hold Christ (Ephesians 6:5-7).
Sometimes the young demand respect for themselves. They are certainly entitled
to the same honor which others receive (I Peter 2:17). However, the same
assumptions hold for them as well, those honored are honorable and the
respected are respectable. Paul admonished Timothy to let no man despise his
youth (I Timothy 4:12). In order to accomplish that task Paul urged him to be an
example in all areas of life. If we want to be respected we must learn it and earn
it.
KEY POINTS of RESPECT
People are not things, and everyone has a right to be treated with dignity. We
certainly have no ethical duty to hold all people in high esteem, but we should
treat everyone with respect, regardless of who they are and what they have
done. We have a responsibility to be the best we can be in all situations, even
when dealing with unpleasant people.
The Golden Rule
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” nicely illustrates the Pillar
of respect. Respect prohibits violence, humiliation, manipulation and exploitation.

4. It reflects notions such as civility, courtesy, decency, dignity, autonomy, tolerance
and acceptance.
Civility, Courtesy and Decency
A respectful person is an attentive listener. Nevertheless, the respectful person
treats others with consideration, and doesn’t resort to intimidation, coercion or
violence except in extraordinary and limited situations to defend others, teach
discipline, maintain order or achieve social justice. Punishment is used in
moderation and only to advance important social goals and purposes.
Tolerance and Acceptance
Accept individual differences and beliefs without prejudice. Judge others only on
their character, abilities and conduct.
How this all applies to the Ten Commandments?
1 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the
house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.
What is our view of God? Do we really respect Him and hold Him in high
esteem? This applies to the 1st
four commandments concerning how we interact
with God.
5 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land
which the Lord your God is giving you.
How do we respect our parents? Do we give them the honor they deserve?
6 “You shall not murder.
Respect other people’s lives.
7 “You shall not commit adultery.
Respect your husband or wife.
8 “You shall not steal.
Respect other people’s property.
9 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

5. Respect your fellow man as not to lie on them.
10 “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your
neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his
donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.”
Respect other people’s property. Respect yourself.

6. Respect your fellow man as not to lie on them.
10 “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your
neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his
donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.”
Respect other people’s property. Respect yourself.