Show Respect

 Show Respect

Show respect is a simple thought Lectionary reflection on the way the Bible teaches that we should treat different neighbors.

October 30, 2015 Year B

Respect is earned. That is why one learns to show respect to others. The Bible teaches that one of the ways you love another person is by the way you give respect. You rise to greet the elderly (Leviticus 19:32).

In the same way, you show how you respect God (Leviticus 19:32). You honor Him just as you would an elderly person.

Unlike the way people talk together, the Bible teaches that you should show respect to the foreigner living in your country. They are visitors, and so one learns to give hospitality (Leviticus 19:33-34). Hospitality gives respect to the foreigner. Showing respect to the foreigner is also a reminder to you that you used to be a foreigner.

Another way one gives respect is by the way one handles business with other people. One should be a fair businessman. Ripping people off does not give respect. It shows that you don’t respect God who owns your money (Leviticus 19:34-36).

The concluding statement about keeping God’s commands is another way to show respect (Leviticus 19:37). In each of these four cases, giving respect to others shows respect to God. The way I show respect to others is a witness to others. It shows that I respect God. This is the reason there is a reminder after each instruction with the phrase: “I am Yahweh.”

Show respect to others and you will share respect to God at the same time.

Prayer: God, please help me give respect to You by the way I act with others.