Love others by Respecting them

I vaguely remember a quote that goes something like, “you don’t have to like me or love me, but you have to respect me.”

I think many can relate to that quote.  In some toxic relationships, at least one party (if not both) would rather have respect than love.  Some call it being civil.   Hmnmm…. as opposed to being barbarians?

What is respect anyway?   In simplified form, is it treat the other as to how you want to be treated?  The Golden Rule of do unto others what you want them to do unto you?

To be honest, I’m not an expert or resource person on respect.  However, I think you would agree with me that the below are not signs of respect (to name a few).

·        While you are explaining something, the other party cuts you off with his/her own story.

·        The other party does not give notice that he/she will not show up, when you both agree to meet at a specific time and place.

·        A common one would be being late because it is his/her habit to just be late.  Or that his/her activities are more important that yours that letting you wait is justified.  

·        And last would be, they don't care what your schedule is and demand that you be there for them when they call you at short notice. 

Jesus taught us to love.  Not only did He teach us to love but He taught us to love difficult people.  

Are you the person who is disrespectful?  Or are you the person who needs to love disrespectful people?  Whatever your answer is, we are called to love one another.  

John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

But please..... learn to respect others.  

 

 

 

Help is on the Way

Confusion. Doubt. Uncertainty.  

This might be spiritual warfare you are not aware of.   And because you are not aware, you need the company of those mature in the faith who will guide you.

Most people will not tell of their struggles.  They have many reasons not to share.

Perhaps they are shy to do so or fear rejection.  Maybe they think no one would really listen or care.  Another could be they think their concern is too small and that they can handle it on their own.   

These are lies of the enemy.  Confusion. Doubt. Uncertainty.    

For those who love Christ, they are commanded to “Carry each other’s burden, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” – Galatians 6:2 

How can you help someone with burdens too heavy to bear?  Listen to them.  Pray for them. Spend time with them.  Offer words of encouragement that come from God’s word, not necessarily your own opinions or ideas.   Because truth be told, a person becomes burdened when they start hearing and believing the lies of the enemy.

Are you not hearing God clearly today?  Talk to someone who knows God personally and hears His voice.   God uses people to guide you in what to do.  Obey. Don’t delay.  Don’t handle the problems on your own. 

 

Be a good friend.

We need friends.  Good friends you can open up to and tell your darkest secrets without fear of ridicule or judgement.   Friends who will keep it real and will not only say the things you want to hear, but will say the things you NEED to hear albeit painful.

 1 Corinthians 15:33 says “Do not be misled. Bad company corrupts good character.”    

Find people with good values and are above reproach.  Make them your friends.  They will make time for you when you need them the most.   They will guide you to have a peaceful, simple, and content lifestyle. 

Now if you are a person who likes to keep secrets and dabble in a little “hanky panky” on the side, there is another verse that comes to mind.

Luke 8:17 - ¹⁷ For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” 

If you are keeping secrets that do not please God, it will come out one day.    Don’t wait for that day when your credibility gets destroyed.   The pain and consequences of your poor decisions might be unbearable.

So find good friends.   Be a good friend too.  It will guard you well.