Read 1 Peter 2:13-17
As believers respect is NOT optional! That is so easy when we agree with what they
say or do, but if they cross that arbitrary line of agreement our justified
response is disrespect. We can actually be proud of it. However, 1 Peter 2:17 clearly states, “Show
proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God,
honor the king.” There is no wiggle room around this command. Paul says the
same thing in Romans 13:7.
The words translated “respect” and “honor” in the Old
Testament (kabod) and the New
Testament (timeo) are terms of
commerce referring to accessing value by using a scale and counterweights to
determine value. The words actually mean to weigh, be heavy or given value. How
this works is what was being assessed was placed on the end of a balance type scale opposite of something of predetermined worth. If it was of equal or
greater weight, then it was honored or respected. If it came up short, it was
devalued. When it comes to respect, we put on one side of the balance what we
value, then compare everyone and everything against it. If he/she/it measures up, our respect is
“earned.”
The problem is what we have put on the determining
side of the scale is our opinion, our rights, our
political viewpoints, our religious traditions and way of worship, our
… you name it. We have so over valued these that we are quick to
devalue and disrespect anyone that doesn’t measure up. We justify thinking, speaking, and acting
disrespectful towards anyone who does not think, talk, act, look, vote or
worship the same way we do.
Let them off the scale! They have value because God values them, just
as He values you. (Psalm 8:4-5) At the cross we come face to face with the
incredible value God places on us. For
that reason alone we in turn MUST cherish and protect the value of all
people regardless of their beliefs, politics and choices. Respect must be
simply given. Romans 15:7 says “Accept one another, then, just as Christ
accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
That is all fine and good until the one we are supposed to
accept does what we deem “unacceptable.” Respect
is not about agreeing with, admiring or approving. Trust, admiration and
allegiance all need to be carefully discerned and earned. There is a distinct difference between acceptance and
approval. God defines the distinction:
·
God’s acceptance is unconditional.
It is based on who we are – His precious creation worth the cost of the cross. To respect is to accept “as is.” If “as is” isn’t what it should be, respect
is caring enough to foremost pray and then getting respectfully involved to whatever
extent God makes possible.
·
God’s approval is conditional. He doesn’t approve of sin. He finds any and
all quite displeasing, and that includes the attitude of disrespect that is at
the core of all sin whether it is against God or against other. However, at the
same times His love for us never wanes. Jesus doesn’t overlook disrespectful,
unacceptable behavior. He responds to by
giving His all to the one falling short of what is good, acceptable and
pleasing. (Romans 12:2)
Jesus always responds to us with love and grace. That
needs to be our response as well. (1 John 4:19; 1 Peter 1:22; Colossians 4:6)
Loving deeply – agape love that
chooses to care and prioritize what is best for them - is the antidote to
disrespect. According to 1 Peter 4:8 “love
covers a multitude of sins.”
Making It Personal
What does it mean to you that disrespect is at the core of
every sin against God and against others?
How does this impact your perspective on your own
disrespectful thoughts and attitudes?
We are to respect others out of respect to God. Do you
truly honor and respect God? He asks that very question in Malachi 1:6. What is your honest answer?
In what area or with whom do you have the most difficulty
honoring and showing proper respect (1 Peter 2:17)?
How does redefining what honor and respect mean help you
choose obedience in this difficult area?
