DAILY GRACE, THURSDAY JUNE 15TH, 2023.

DO YOU DESERVE OUR RESPECT?

TEXT: TITUS 2:7

VERSE OF THE DAY:
_“RESPECT EVERYONE, LOVE OTHER BELIEVERS, HONOUR GOD, AND RESPECT THE EMPEROR”- 1 PETER 2:17._

Some people believe that because they are rich, powerful, or famous, they deserve our respect regardless of their behaviour. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. Respect must be earned; it is not awarded.

When we were young, we were taught to respect our parents, siblings, teachers, elders, rules of the house and laws of the land. We were also taught to be tolerant of other people’s ideas and respect their opinions. As we got older, we became more discerning. Now, we offer respect to people who behave properly, on a consistent basis and we shake our heads, often in sadness and pity, at those who think that respect is measured by the size of their pockets or the job title they possess.

The bottom line is that everyone is entitled to be treated with kindness, but that does not necessarily mean that they have earned the right to be respected. Some people demand respect because of their age, wealth, or position. Others feel entitled to respect because they are popular, have a big office, or have won awards. Others think that everyone deserves respect regardless of their actions. The truth is, many of them don’t even respect themselves.

It does not matter whether you are young or old, rich or poor, work on the top floor or down in the basement, everyone earns respect the same way. You cannot require respect or demand it. You cannot cut deals or take shortcuts to earn respect. You cannot buy respect or even place a price tag on it, because respect is priceless. You earn it every day.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to respect myself, Amen.

BIBLE IN 365 DAYS:
Isa 47
Rev 17

ACTION POINT:
EARNING RESPECT BEGINS WITH YOU.