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.