Love Is Respectful // The Power Of Love [Part 4 Of 7]

“Love is not rude. It is not selfish…” 1 Cor. 13:5 (NCV)

“Love has good manners…” 1 Cor. 13:5 (Phillips)

“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect…” 1 Peter 3:7

“…and the wife must respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:33

“Show proper respect to everyone…”  1 Peter 2:17

Respect:  Showing value and honor to others by our actions.

1. Why treat everyone with respect?

a. Because God made everybody. 

“God made people a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.” Psalm 8:5 (NCV)

b. Because Jesus died for everyone. 

“God paid a ransom to save you from the impossible road to heaven…he paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” 1 Peter 1:18-19 (LB)

c. Because it shows that I know God. 

“If a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God, for God is love.”  1 John 4:8 (LB)

d. Because I’ll get back what I give. 

“A man’s harvest in life will depend entirely on what he sows.”  Galatians 6:7 (Ph)

“You do yourself a favor when you are kind…” Proverbs 11:17 (GNT)

2. How to show respect to people

a. When you speak to people … be tactful not just truthful.

“What a joy it is to find just the right word for just the right occasion!”   Proverbs 15:23 (GN)

“Kind words bring life but cruel words crush your spirit.”  Proverbs 15:4 (GN)

b. When you are served by people … be understanding not demanding.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

“A wise, mature person is known for his understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is.” Proverbs 16:21 (GN)

c. When you disagree with people … be gentle not judgmental.

“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.” Romans 14:12-13 (TPT)

“Whenever there is jealousy or selfish ambition, there will be disorder … But wisdom from above is … peaceful, gentle, and friendly.” James 3:16-17 GN)

d. When you share the gospel… respect people, don’t reject them. 

“Be tactful with those who are not Christians … Talk to them agreeably and with a favor of wit, and try to fit your answers to the needs of each one.” Col 4:5-6 (JB)

“…If anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way.” 1 Peter 3:15 (LB)

“Your words show what is in your heart.” Luke 6:45 (CEV)