WRONG thinking friend! This is one of the most common lies that divides families and friends. It keeps us from enjoying real relationships. Disrespect corrodes our ability to be genuine with another human being. I am guilty of this belief myself. I bought into the world’s lie that respect is EARNED. It’s preached everywhere from the school yard to the work place. Contempt between husband and wife is rampant today. It’s become the new theme in just about every TV show you turn on. Parents are portrayed as stupid and uniformed. Sometimes it’s disguised as “wit” or explained as sarcasm. If for some reason it stings or hurts you, you’re likely to hear that you’re weak. After all, “it was just a joke, I meant no disrespect.”
So what does God say? The opposite. It should come as no surprise that the world is teaching the opposite of what God commands. Love, respect and forgiveness are all commanded. Yes, you read correctly, commanded. When our “IF” statements don’t line up with God’s “IFs”we have a choice. We can expect God to change (not going to happen) or we can learn from the Teacher that our own thoughts need tuning up.
There are a couple of key things that keep this lie alive. One is equating agreement with respect. They are not the same but we lump them together. If we don’t agree with someone’s beliefs or actions, then we justify showing them disrespect so that they “learn”. Wow, that’s mighty arrogant! Yet we do it often. Second, we confuse respect with trust. God is very clear that we are not to freely trust others. He doesn’t command us to trust people, only to trust Him. Why? He gave everyone free will and some people use it in evil ways. Essentially, I can show ALL people gentleness, kindness, respect and compassion without trusting them or agreeing with them. Now that Truth is freeing! Peace awaits those that heed His Word.
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble…” (Hebrews 12:14 NKJV)
