The Price of Respect

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

ROMANS 12:2

WHO’S SOMEONE YOU really respect? What are the reasons you respect that person so much? What causes you to lose respect for someone?

When we follow God, he wants us to be the kind of people who others respect in the same way that you respect the person you thought of. Earning that kind of respect from others means we’re honest, kind, caring, reliable, and all the other characteristics you named as reasons you have respect for that person. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are. You can earn others’ respect and esteem.

One important way to earn respect is to be honest and admit it when we’re wrong or when we’ve done wrong. God loves us no matter what, but he expects us to ask for his forgiveness when we make wrong choices. People are like that too. When we’ve hurt someone or made a bad choice, it’s important to own up to it and apologize. It’s the ability to admit when we’re wrong and to be honest and kind that makes others respect us—and that’s something we never want to lose.

DO

On a separate piece of paper, draw a picture of the person you respect so much. Then list a few characteristics on the picture that make you respect that person. Fold up your picture and keep it in this page.

PRAY

Dear God,

Thank you for putting people I can respect in my life. Please help me work on being honest, kind, reliable, and caring as I earn the respect of others. Amen.

READ

Matthew 7:12; Romans 16:17-18