The Nineteenth Cup // Respecting Others

What is respect?
- Respect is a positive feeling or action shown towards someone or something considered important (Wikipedia)
- Respect is an act of giving particular attention (Meriam-Webster)

Based on those two definitions, we can conclude that respect is our good action towards someone with full consideration.

In here, we don't see to whom we should give our respect. 

The world teaches us to do good to whomever do good to us or in other words, we react based on how people treat us. But, the bible says in Matthew 22:39, "A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’". In other words, our actions towards others aren't based on how they treat but but based on love.

It is very easy for us to act good to people who treat us well/respect us and everyone can do this – even people who doesn't know Jesus. But, to treat people good when they don't treat us well/respect us, we need God's grace. As a believer, we have God's grace that gives us strength to be able to treat everyone well.

Lately, God is processing me in this area. Specifically on respecting the leader that God has placed. Definitely, it is not easy. But, it is not impossible to have a big heart and be humble to keep respecting others with God. 

1 Peter 2:18 "Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh." (NIV)