Genuine Respect

I really wish that we had more genuine respect for one another in our world today. Our nation is divided into ideological camps and it feels like there is general hatred toward people who don’t agree. I’ve seen this behavior in people from all walks of life. I’m not sure how we slip this far from genuine respect for others. I remember getting amped up watching a sporting match between our local high school and another school nearby. I found myself hoping some kid on the other team would fail. I realized that his parents were probably on the other side cheering him on as I was cheering on my son.  We let the competition make us disrespectful and hate-filled toward each other.  I have had to confess this one many times – even in our divided political climate, I should remember that the person with whom I’m disagreeing with is a child of God.

In Job’s last defense of his actions, he reflects on his treatment of others. It reminded me that genuine respect and cordiality is often missing in our culture at this point. Check this out….

¹³ “If I have been unfair to my male or female servants
    when they brought their complaints to me,
¹⁴ how could I face God?
    What could I say when he questioned me?
¹⁵ For God created both me and my servants.
    He created us both in the womb. (Job 31:13-15 NLT)

I want to grow in my respect for people who don’t look like me.

I want to grow in my respect for people whose beliefs are different than mine.

I want to grow in my respect for people who don’t speak my language.

I want to grow in my respect for people who are different politically than me.

I want to grow in my respect for people who are wealthier than me.

I want to grow in my respect for people who are poor and needy.

I have a lot of room to grow in my genuine respect for others on this earth that God created. I believe it’s important to love like He loves. I think it’s important to respect others just because they are God’s kids too. This is not quid pro quo – I don’t respect just to get in return.  I think in giving genuine respect to others, I might actually earn some genuine respect in return.

Pressing On!

Dwayne