Day 62

I'm not even sure where to begin.  I've had a lot on my mind lately and so much of it keeps circling back to the same things in the Bible.  Then today, I was reading in 1 Peter and there it was again.  

RESPECT  - 

Respect is something that we don't give or get like I believe we should.  I have a theory.  I believe that it's impossible to have the fruits of the Spirit without starting with respect.  Certainly respect comes out of the fruits of the Spirit, so maybe it's a chicken/egg thing?  

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. (Gal. 5:22-23)

I mentioned the other day that in our life group study we are doing an Andy Stanley study on marriage.  This past week really keyed in on loving/treating your spouse with respect and loving them more than you love yourself (or your selfish desires).  

This is something that really is important in ALL relationships, but sometimes we take advantage of those closest to us.  I have seen people who live their life in such a way that they really set an example for the following scriptures.  It's my desire to someday be on someone's list as an example of this text also.  :) 

1 Peter 2

Respecting People in Authority

13 For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.

15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. 16 For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. 17 Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters.[i] Fear God, and respect the king.

                - I believe the next Chapter explains the attributes of respect. - 

1 Peter 3

Wives

3 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives.3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands. 6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.

Husbands

7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. 

All Christians

8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.[a] Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 

10 For the Scriptures say,

“If you want to enjoy life
    and see many happy days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil
    and your lips from telling lies.
11 Turn away from evil and do good.
    Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
    and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face
    against those who do evil.”[b]

Suffering for Doing Good

13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way.

Isn't it awesome how deep God's Word is!  

God, thank you for your Beautiful Word.  For the life that it breathes into us.  For the guidance that we get.   Thank you for being clear and not just leaving us on our own to figure life out.  You have given us your Word and it fully instructs us.  I pray that anyone reading this will be blessed.  That you will help us all to strive towards the goal of reaching our calling of "Blessing others" 1 Pet. 3:9. Let your Word penetrate our hearts and mind and fill us with your strength and wisdom to make the right choices and to always be respectful as you have instructed us to be.  

Amen