Living a Life of Respect in a Disrespectful World
Respect is the foundation of every strong and healthy relationship. Whether in our families, friendships, workplaces, or church, how we treat one another reflects our values and, ultimately, our faith. It is an expression of love. When we respect others, we create trust, encourage open communication, and foster unity. Disrespect, on the other hand, leads to misunderstandings, hurt, and division. Jesus modeled respect in His interactions with all people—showing kindness, listening with compassion, and valuing every individual. If we want to build relationships that reflect God’s love, we must begin with respect. It’s not just about being polite—it’s about seeing others as God sees them and treating them with dignity, patience, and grace.
“Respect means you esteem others better than yourself.” – A.W. Tozer
“Let us be kind to one another, for most of us are fighting a hard battle.” – John Watson (Presbyterian minister)
Recent events continue to highlight the need for respect in our world. The ongoing tensions in global politics, particularly in war-torn regions such as Ukraine and Gaza, show how a lack of respect for human life and dignity can lead to conflict and suffering. We also see it in domestic issues, such as the rise of divisive rhetoric in political debates and social media. The way we engage with differing opinions speaks volumes about our values. [Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world]
“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” – Albert Einstein (Jewish thinker)
Respect begins with how we treat one another in the body of Christ. Sadly, many people do not see church communities as places of love and respect. We, as believers, have the responsibility to change this perception. Love and respect go hand in hand—when we truly love, we respect. A recent Pew Research study found that a growing number of young people view religious groups as judgmental rather than accepting, further emphasizing the need for Christians to model love and grace. [Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion]
“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis
“When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us.” – Arapaho Proverb (Indigenous wisdom)
Respect is earned by living with integrity and diligence. Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 of the importance of working hard, being dependable, and avoiding gossip. Our lifestyle should be a testimony to non-believers. The recent labor strikes in industries such as healthcare and entertainment highlight the importance of ethical work practices and fair treatment of workers. When employers and employees engage in respectful dialogue and negotiation, everyone benefits. [Source: https://www.nytimes.com/business]
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” – C.S. Lewis
“To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times, what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens.” – Buddha (Buddhist philosophy)
How we speak matters. Kindness, encouragement, and truth in love are essential to build respect with others. In today’s digital world, words have an even greater impact, especially on social media. A recent study found that online hate speech has significantly increased, leading to mental health crises among young people. It is crucial that we engage with others using words that uplift rather than tear down. [Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology]
“Be careful with your words. Once they are said, they can only be forgiven, not forgotten.” – Charles Spurgeon
“Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?” – Rumi (Sufi Muslim poet)
Respect extends beyond the church into our workplaces, neighborhoods, and social circles. In today’s divisive culture, being a beacon of respect is more critical than ever. Community involvement and acts of service are powerful ways to demonstrate respect. The recent surge in volunteerism following natural disasters, such as the wildfires in Hawaii, shows how people can come together despite differences to support one another. [Source: https://www.cnn.com/us]
“Do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi (Hindu leader)
Jesus modeled the ultimate form of respect through humility and service. He saw all people as valuable, not just those who were socially accepted. A great example is the story of the woman at the well—Jesus treated her with dignity despite cultural norms. Today, stories of inclusivity and acceptance, such as businesses adopting fair hiring practices for people with disabilities, reflect this Christ-like approach to respect. [Source: https://www.forbes.com/work]
“Christians should be known for their love, not just their opinions.” – Philip Yancey
“The highest form of wisdom is kindness.” – The Talmud (Jewish teaching)
Commit to one practical way to show respect this week in your workplace, home, or community. Let’s go out and live lives of respect, reflecting Christ’s love in our actions, words, and interactions. The world desperately needs it.
Final Quote: “Respect is how we treat everyone, not just those we like.” – Unknown
