Giving Respect
What did Jesus’ followers (twelve men of varied backgrounds) do when Jesus was praying?
They kept quiet and waited respectfully until He was finished praying.
(NASB) Luke 11:1 “…while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished…”
How often do you interrupt another or override them as they are talking? What is the ‘reasoning’ behind some people’s interrupting while another is talking? (How rude!)
One reason could be: ‘I need to say what I am thinking before I forget it.’ (What I want to say is more important than what you are saying.)
What is another reason? Just being rude! ‘That is what I do.’ (Really?!)
Consider this scenario, do you walk into a room and start talking without considering another’s attention on something else?
Rudeness should not be a habit of a follower of Jesus. Giving respect to others is to consider them above yourself and what you want to say.
(NIV) 1 Peter 2:17 “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”
(NIV) 1 Peter 3:13-16 “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.’ 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
(Underlining added)
Giving respect to everyone is a mark of the follower of Christ.