R-E-S-P-E-C-T

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” – James 1:19-20
 

As children we learn that it is polite to let others finish speaking before we do, that it is rude to interrupt another person as they are speaking.  How many times have you been interrupted by a young child with something that is completely off topic and unrelated to the current thread of a discussion?  It’s a difficult lesson to learn for most children, because the mind of a 6 year old can only focus on one thing at a time and “big people” take too long to say what they have to say. There is a maturity that involves respecting one another that evolves over time but is essential in life. 

One of the biggest issues this world faces today is the lack of respect we have for one another.  I believe that this has been lost amongst the masses as individuals think more about themselves and less about others.  There is a universal standard called the golden rule which comes from the scripture in Matthew 7:12 that teaches us to treat others as we want to be treated.  Yet, many of us will continue to pursue gain at the expense of others in our actions and communication.  This sense of entitlement has become a significant influence and even a barrier in our society’s ability to truly love one another the way God intended us to love one another.

James words seem simple and logical, but continually they have become a stumbling block for most people at some point in life.  Just as we were taught as children to respect our parents and adults and not to interrupt, we need to continue to focus on this principal as we mature.  Respecting others is a fundamental element of a follower of Jesus Christ.  We do not have to agree with others words, actions or character elements but we must give them the respect that comes from God the Father.  His love is immutable, that is never changing, and equal amongst all people.  Consider His love for another individual before making a judgment on their words, action or character.  We must all learn from James to respect one another and be slow to anger, allowing God’s righteousness to surface in our actions


 
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