Hugs. Time. Money. Sympathy. All things we can give, but check out this quote. Oswald Chambers said, “Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it.” That works for all kinds of things—love, mercy, forgiveness, but something else came to mind.

One of the hardest things for me to give is respect.

And God commands me to give it.

Often and to many.

To my husband.

To my parents.

To those in authority over me.

And He commands me to give respect—not when I feel like it.

Not when they’ve earned it.

Not when it’s convenient or easy.

But all the time.

Even when my parent is resistant to a change I know will help them.

Even when my husband is making decisions I don’t agree with.

Even when my child repeats a mistake—for what seems like the millionth time.

Even when my party affiliation differs from the person in office.

Even when my employer wants _____ done in ____ way and my way is so much better.

Even then.

Especially then.

When I’m struggling with respect, usually it’s because my attitude is off. Here are some thoughts that might, occasionally, randomly, run through my brain.

• I would never do ________ that way. My way is better, so I disrespect you.
• My ducks are in a row. Why can’t you get your act together? I’m justified in not giving you respect.
• My knowledge and expertise is greater, so I don’t have to take you seriously.

I know you would never entertain such thoughts, but I have. Often. God has used marriage, kids, and a multitude of situations to teach me:

• To say thank you for any help offered and to respect that person’s time and effort.
• To show grace because sometimes my ducks don’t stay in line and run every which way instead.
• To respect another point of view and a fresh perspective—even if I disagree.
• To understand I cannot judge because I have not walked in their shoes.

And there’s the crux.

When I judge, I disrespect. And God says one thing about judging.

Don’t.

Questions:

Is it easy or difficult to show respect to:

God

Parents

Spouse

Authority figures

Why?

How do you show respect for each of these?

How does your disrespect show itself?

Tweetables:

Oswald Chambers said, “Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it.” Click To Tweet
One of the hardest things for me to give is respect. And God commands me to give it. Click To Tweet
And He commands me to give respect—not when I feel like it. Not when they’ve earned it. Not when it’s convenient or easy. But all the time. Click To Tweet
When I judge, I disrespect. And God says one thing about judging. Don’t. Click To Tweet