Love Includes Honor
When we speak of love, we need to look at some of the traits of love. Pastor Dennis Langford asked us recently what we were doing to prove our love for the Lord. If we have to provide proof of our love what does that entail? Could we show our works of love? Have we invested our hearts in others to prove we care?
One trait that really gets ignored in some love relationships is honor. Honor and respect seem to be missing in some of our relationships. It seems we take for granted that the recipient of our love automatically knows we love them. We seem shocked if they question our love for them. When analyzing my own love walk toward others, one of the things the Lord brought to my attention was the lack of showing honor and respect to and for others.
Honor is to regard another person with admiration and respect. When we freely express both in our hearts and outwardly this admiration, it opens a new avenue of love. No one wants to be disrespected or made to feel “less than” in another person’s life. Even a stranger on the street deserves the consideration of respect. If we treat our family, spouse and Christian brothers and sisters with a lack of honor and respect, we are actually treating Jesus that way. We are His representatives here on the earth and everything we do reflects on Him.
What about dishonorable people?
We may say, “What if they are not honorable?” Jesus treated all of us as though we were the best reason for being. Those in our personal circle deserve our utmost respect and honor, if only because they have accepted us into their lives. They love us in spite of all our quirkiness and unlovely parts. When we can show our love by openly honoring their words to us, the many things they do for us and the love they give us freely, we are acting like Jesus. We are also leading by example to those who don’t know how to walk the walk of honor and respect. May our hearts start opening up to actively showing honor to those in our love circle.
Here are some Scripture verses about honor:
Deuteronomy 5:16
Honor thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Proverbs 3:9
Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase:
Proverbs 11:16
A gracious woman retaineth honor: and strong men retain riches.
Proverbs 14:31
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoreth him hath mercy on the poor.
Proverbs 21:21
He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honor.
1 Timothy 5:3
Honor widows that are widows indeed.
1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.
Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
1 Peter 2:17
Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.