Respect for Others

 The Lord is very clear in His Word from beginning to end. We are to have a genuine respect for every person made in God's image. In fact, we are to put others before ourselves. That is difficult, at times, but it is the best way to relate to others, no matter who they are.

David had a deep respect for Saul and Jonathan. He composed a song after their death and taught the song to the people of Israel. (II Samuel 1:23) David proclaimed that Saul and Jonathan we very beloved and gracious. They were united together in life and in death.  David said that they were swifter than eagles and stronger than lions. In this way David showed his humble respect for these two men.

When someone wants to harm us or kill us, like Saul wanted to do to David, it is a great challenge to respect them. In fact, we want to talk about how evil they are, and we want to point out their faults, not their strengths. It takes real humility and respect from the Lord to honor them and to see the good in them, instead of just seeing the sinful things. However, that is what God calls us to do.

Even with our friends, like Jonathan was a great friend to David, we can think more of ourselves than of them because of pride. If we are not careful, we can use them to meet our needs, instead of putting their needs first. The right way is to honor our friends highly and to let others see their genuine character strengths, not exalt ourselves.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 3-6.