The Power Of Respect
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“Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10
To respect is to have regard for the existence, ideas and opinions of other people, to treat them with dignity and honor, being thoughtful and treating others with courtesy.
Our relationship with the Lord is the most important relationship we can have. The “fear of the Lord” in the Bible involves “supreme respect.” The book of Proverbs declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10)
Respect is one of the most powerful positive principles in life, a gateway to our relationship with others. It helps meet the human need for significance and a major ingredient in the growth of successful relationships in any family, friendship, group, team church school or community.
In our self-centered world, showing respect to others is often neglected. “People tend to ignore one another, acting at times as if others don’t even exist. . . Rudeness is common. Courtesy is neglected. Politeness is forgotten. People are inconsiderate.” ?
People fail to respect others because we are by nature self-centered. We tend to watch the world so much, with its many examples of disrespect that we take our eyes off the One who was always concerned about people, always thinking of others. We should follow the example of Jesus by displaying consideration for everyone.
When we respect others, it helps them feel important, it reminds them that they are important, having a dramatic and positive effect on them and upon their behavior. Overall quality of life increases when respect grows, people are blessed, since respect is a pleasant thing to give and receive, resulting in blessings.
Pray your grandchildren will:
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Have the highest respect for God, for it is a gateway to wisdom and a growing relationship with Him.
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Treat the family, friends and others with dignity and respect.
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Be an example by their respect for others.
Suggested things to tell your grandchildren to say and write to others:
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“You are important”
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“_______ I respect your opinion.”
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“What do you think _________?
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“I’ve been thinking of you.”
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“I’d like to hear your ideas of this.”
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“I’d like to know what’s important to you.”
? Norm Andersen, 12 Seeds for Successful Relationships, , (12 Seeds International, Inc.: Minneapolis, MN, 2004) p 14.
These thoughts have been adapted from 12 Seeds for Successful Relationships by Norm Anderson and used by his permission. He writes, “Most every success in life involves the presence or growth of one or more of these seeds.” You may purchase this book at www.12 seeds.com.
© 2010 Lillian Penner
