Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportanceRespectful behavior is characterized by showing honor, esteem, and consideration towards others. In the biblical context, being respectful is an essential aspect of Christian conduct, reflecting the love and humility taught by Jesus Christ. Respect is not only a social virtue but a spiritual obligation that aligns with the teachings of Scripture.
Biblical ReferencesThe Bible emphasizes the importance of respect in various relationships, including those with God, authorities, family, and fellow believers. Respect is often linked with love, humility, and obedience, forming a foundation for harmonious living.
1.
Respect for GodRespect for God is foundational in the Bible. It involves reverence, awe, and obedience to His commandments.
Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This "fear" is a profound respect and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and holiness.
2.
Respect for AuthoritiesScripture instructs believers to respect and submit to governing authorities as they are established by God.
Romans 13:1-2 says, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."
3.
Respect within the FamilyRespect within the family is a recurring theme in the Bible. Children are commanded to honor their parents, as seen in
Exodus 20:12 : "Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." This commandment underscores the importance of respect in maintaining family harmony and receiving God's blessings.
4.
Respect for OthersThe Bible calls for respect towards all individuals, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person created in the image of God.
1 Peter 2:17 instructs, "Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." This verse encapsulates the broad scope of respect, extending it to fellow believers, authorities, and all people.
5.
Respect in the ChurchWithin the church, respect is vital for unity and effective ministry.
Hebrews 13:17 advises, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." Respect for church leaders fosters a healthy spiritual environment and encourages mutual edification.
Practical ApplicationBeing respectful involves active listening, valuing others' opinions, and treating people with kindness and courtesy. It requires humility, recognizing that others are worthy of honor and consideration. Christians are called to model respect in all interactions, reflecting the character of Christ and promoting peace and understanding in their communities.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not use the term "respectful" frequently, the concept permeates its teachings, urging believers to live in a manner that honors God and others. Respect is a manifestation of love and humility, essential for personal growth and community well-being.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Marked or characterized by respect; as, respectful deportment.
Greek
1174. deisidaimonesteros -- very fearful of gods, religious...... Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: deisidaimonesteros Phonetic Spelling:
(dice-ee-dahee-mon-es'-ter-os) Short Definition:
respectful of what is divine
...2124. eulabeia -- caution
... 2124 ("godly respect") is illustrated by a person carrying a Persian vase across
the room -- which will always be in a "devout" (respectful) fashion!...
5401. phobos -- panic flight, fear, the causing of fear, terror
... the causing of fear, terror NASB Word Usage cause of fear (1), fear (37), fearful
(1), fears (1), intimidation (1), respect (1),respectful (1), reverence (1...
2962. kurios -- lord, master
... From kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, ie (as noun) controller; by implication,
Master (as arespectful title) -- God, Lord, master, Sir....
2152. eusebes -- pious
... Cognate: 2152 (an adjective, derived from 2095 , "well, good" and 4576 , "pay homage,
veneration") -- ,respectful (showing due ). See 2150 ()....
Library
Letter iii. Aims in Life.
... Treat all young men kindly and respectfully, if they are polite andrespectful to
you.... But in discouraging such advances, be kind andrespectful....
The Second Degree of Prayer
... by faith places itself in the Presence of God, and becomes recollected before Him,
let it remain thus for a little time in a profound andrespectful silence....
The Embalming of the Body of Jesus.
... to prepare the different things needful for the embalming; but Cassius, with a few
other soldiers who had been converted, remained at arespectful distance....
Letter Lxxxi. (AD 405. )
... I therefore send to you myrespectful salutations through this brother, who clings
to you with a singular warmth of affection; and at the same time, in regard...
The 'education Question' in Trinidad
... toward Romanism. But I think a Roman Catholic priest would have a right
to a fair andrespectful hearing, if he said:". 'You have...
The Capture of Chrysostom
... Pray oblige me,' said the Count, still all smiles; and meanwhile the escort had
come up, and, with gentle andrespectful violence, lifted the astonished and...
Thoughts Upon the Imitation of Christ.
... some of us perhaps with greater Estates than ever he blessed them, yet we must not
think our selves above them, nor be at all the lessrespectful to them....
Desire to Please.
... great severity. Your language, your looks, your attitude, should repel them
from or command arespectful fear in your presence. Do...
Letter xxiv (Circa AD 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
... After this, study to lead a simple life among your brethren, devoted to God, submissive
to your superior,respectful towards the older monks, and obliging...
Shewing Wherein all Saving Grace Does Summarily Consist"
... he prays earnestly, he cries with a loud voice; he uses humble expressions " "I
beseech Thee, torment me not;" he usesrespectful, honourable, adoring...
Thesaurus
Respectful (6 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Marked or characterized by respect; as,
respectful deportment. Multi-Version Concordance
Respectful (6 Occurrences).
...Knock (7 Occurrences)
... They give warning at the outer gate either by calling or knocking. To
stand and call is a very common andrespectful mode. Thus...
Notice (44 Occurrences)
... theatrical notices. 4. (n.) A writing communicating information or warning.
5. (n.) Attention;respectful treatment; civility. 6. (vt...
Father (11359 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) One who performs the offices of a parent by maintenance, affectionate care,
counsel, or protection. 4. (n.) Arespectful mode of address to an old man....
Fear (970 Occurrences)
... reverence felt toward the Supreme Being. 4. (n.)Respectful reverence for
men of authority or worth. 5. (n.) That which causes, or...
Respecteth (3 Occurrences)
Reverently (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a reverent manner; inrespectful regard.
Multi-Version Concordance Reverently (1 Occurrence)....
Reverent (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Submissive; humble;respectful; as, reverent
to God. 2. (a.) Expressing reverence, veneration, devotion...
Respecting (4 Occurrences)
Respective (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (a.) Fitted to awaken respect. 5. (a.) Rendering respect;respectful; regardful.
Multi-Version Concordance Respective (1 Occurrence)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about disrespectful children? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about respecting your parents? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of Esther - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgRespectful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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