Instead of reacting like the world, we are called to react like Jesus. The call to love and honor others can be contradicting to what we see around us. This is why we must be intentional with renewing our minds with the Word of God and not the world.
We see magazines, articles, and posts on social media constantly exposing the lies and lives of celebrities and people. If we are not careful, we too can take this approach with those we know.
It’s okay to expose the wrong of others, but we should do so out of love and not hatred or pride. If we cared about the person, we would correct them directly instead of telling everyone of their faults. The way we expose others will show our motives. If we expose someone’s fault without directly telling that person and instead share it with others, it shows that we never cared for that person to change.
Matt 18:15 says, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.” It’s only when the other person chooses not to listen that you bring another witness to listen in. If that doesn’t work, we then are to tell the church (Matt 18:16-17).
This is the honorable way to confront someone of their wrongdoings. Before we go out and expose others, we must first ask ourselves why are we wanting to expose them? Is it to love and correct them or just to prove a point for our own pride?
God tells us in Romans 12:10 to be devoted to one another in love and to honor others above ourselves. Are our words and actions towards others honoring them or putting them down? Every moment we choose to love is a moment we get to display Jesus into someone else’s life. It’s the goodness of God that will overcome evil. Let us not be quick to speak negatively about one another but to honor them above ourselves.
Not only are we called to love and honor those around us, but also the family of believers and authorities put above us. 1 Peter 2:17 says, “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
If we are called to love those who do wrong, how much more should we be loving others who love Jesus? There are many denominations within Christianity that have caused division between the body of Christ. Jesus wants us to come into unity so that we can be stronger and make greater impacts for the kingdom of God. We are hurting Christ and giving unbelievers a wrong view of His love the more we divide and not love.
Jesus says in John 13:35, “‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’“
Honoring authorities is another duty we have from God. The book of 1 Peter was written during emperor Nero’s ruling. He was known for killing many Christians. Despite the evil that emperor Nero did, God still expected His children to honor him. This doesn’t mean that we do evil things if authorities tell us to, but it means that we honor them by taking the consequence of not following their orders.
God is not for the evil that people in authority may do, but He can use them for His purposes that we may not understand. What we do know is that we are honoring Jesus as we honor those in authority.
Daniel is a perfect example of one who honored the king. During Daniel’s time, there was an order that no one could make any petitions to any god or man except king Darius. Daniel did not comply but did submit to the king’s punishment which was to enter into the lion’s den. God, however, protected Daniel and this showed king Darius the sovereignty of God. The king announced in Daniel 6:26, “‘I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.'”
As we choose to live in love and honor, God becomes glorified. How can you show love and honor to those around you? What areas in your heart need to be changed to align with God’s heart? Our sacrifice of honoring others above ourselves will shine the light of Jesus. So remember, you have the call to love and honor others. Listen more on this topic in our latest Podcast “The Call To Love And Honor”
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