A sure way to shut down and push others away is to be disrespectful and condescending. People will automatically withdraw from this type of behaviour and treatment. Unfortunately we can often be more polite and respectful of people we don’t really know, than those we see regularly such as our family or work colleagues. However when we behave like this we can drive away or shut down the very relationships we desire to have a deeper heart to heart connection with.
But perhaps if we got in the habit of being respectful and honouring to everyone regardless of who they are, it would be easier to show the same measure of respect and honour to those we see and interact with on a daily basis. Being respectful then becomes our lifestyle, and who we are.
The definition of respect is: to hold people in high esteem, regard, recognition, honour and praise.
A good place to start being more respectful is to think about how we would like others to treat us. What does it mean to us to be respected? How do we want people to talk and respond to us? We then go out and practice treating others in the same way we would like to be treated.
The culture of heaven and God’s nature is one of respect and honour. God respects our right to choose, and even to disagree with Him, yet He still loves and cares for us. He asks us do the same and love unconditionally, “doing to others what we would have them do to us.”(Matthew 7:12)
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)
To “Be devoted to one another in love. Honouring one another above ourselves.” (Romans 12:10)
Today take the opportunity to show love, respect and honour to those around you. Knowing that as choose the way of respect and honour it softens and opens both ours and other’s hearts to connect more readily heart to heart.
Prayer: Lord please help me to be respectful and honouring of other people around me today, especially those close to me. Help me to imitate your ways as I esteem and think of other’s before myself. In Jesus name Amen.