Is RESPECT a dirty word?

1 Peter 3:15-16:15But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.
16[And see to it that] your conscience is entirely clear ([unimpaired), so that, when you are falsely accused as evildoers, those who threaten you abusively and revile your right behavior in Christ may come to be ashamed [of slandering your good lives]. (Amplified Bible)



You have your opinions, I have mine. "Potaitoe, Potahtoe, Toemaitoe, Toemahtoe"....lets call the whole thing off! Don't worry, I can spell potato and tomato.



If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you probably know that we are called to a higher standard. I hope you do. We are called to respond to one another and others in a courteous and respectful way. We are not to compromise what we believe or hide our heads in the sand. We are to speak in a way that communicates respect for the individual. However, as human beings we all have the tendency to insert our emotion and forget about what the Word challenges us to do.



Unfortunatley, believers are shrinking from discussion about "The Hot Topics" because they are afraid of the response they might get or perhaps people will get mad at them. I don't know, but that isn't a correct response either. We are not to fear man.



Galatians 1:10Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah).



We are not supposed to bow down to the worlds standards. We are not supposed to keep quiet and just accept the "status quo." We happen to live in a country that currently allows us to voice our opinions. That is a really good thing and I truly hope it stays that way.



It is possible to logically explain what you believe and do it in a kind, respectful way. There is no guarantee that it won't cause offense. The Word of God offends people because it is the truth. The truth hurts sometimes and honestly the truth will either make you better or bitter. Some people get bitter. That is beyond your control.



What is in your control is your delivery method. If you are attacking the person and they really didn't ask for your opinion, you are wrong! If someone asks you what you believe about something and you answer them honestly and in the most kind way, you have shown them respect. We have some folks here in my neck of the woods that wave around pretty vile signs and yell at people when they drive by. They have no respect for anyone. It doesn't communicate the true message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it is a huge turn off. I don't like being identified with them. They are just as mean and hateful as the some of the liberal folks that storm churches and throw blood on people. That spirit is very similar. It is based on hate and anger. If you want to be heard, no matter who you are, love and respect people.

1 Corinthians 13
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.


So I look around and I see people everywhere who are bent on getting their way. You can't make people believe what you believe. You can not force them to accept what you believe or your agenda whatever that might be. Respect it seems has become a dirty word. I hope that changes, don't you?



God bless,

The Herbal Mama