Honor Others

Rom 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
(NIV)


honor \: 5092 time (tee-may');from 5099; a value; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself: precious, price.
Webster: outward respect, recognition



I recently had to purchase some equipment for our company. I called a vender out of the phone book and was very surprised by this young mans attitude towards me. I was younger them him but every chance he had he addressed me as “sir.” It was amazing! He did not miss one chance: Yes sir, No sir, Thank you for calling sir, It was good meeting you sir.” He was respecting me and making me feel important. I know he was making a sale, and our purchase was a very small purchase compared to the normal amount of business they are accustomed to, but that did not change his attitude towards me. His professional attitude towards me challenged me to be more professional in my own career.

Although this was just a daily business situation it is a biblical principle. To often I find myself so consumed with my life that I can be short with people at church and at work. As I make the decision to be devoted to loving others and honoring them above myself it makes others feel loved and valued. How do people feel after they have had a conversation with me? Do my conversations inspire people or bring people down? Am I discouraging or am I encouraging others? Our words are way more powerful then we take for granted. Not only do we need to encourage others with our words but also with our actions. Think of ways how you can encourage others. What acts service towards others can I provide that would make someone feel honored? Look at how Jesus honored and loved us. He washed the disciple’s feet; he healed the sick; he feed thousands of people; and he even took our sins upon himself so that we could be forgiven. Just as we want others to love and honor us we need to take the time each day to make sure that we are honoring and loving those around us.

Copyright 2006 Greg Graham