When I was still working in the secular, I had a Boss that seemed difficult to other colleagues of mine. They would always have one issue or the other with him. But I discovered I never had an issue with him; this is because I knew what he wanted and I gave it to him. He wanted respect; he loved to hear you answer, “Sir…” when he calls you.
Friend, respect is important for effective relationship. Nobody wants to be ignored or disrespected. Every human being carries some measure of dignity and honour that must be recognized (Psalms 139:14). They deserve to be respected. There is an ego in everyone that must be well managed if you hope to get the best out of them.
“Always let respect go ahead of you everywhere you go and you would never be wrong.” Respecting people does not take anything from you but it can grant you unusual access. Rebekah put respect forward and she connected her destiny in the Abrahamic lineage (Genesis 24:14-21).
Always call people what they call themselves. For example, if someone says he’s an Apostle, it would be a mark of disrespect to call him “brother”; why would you address someone as “Mr” when he says that he’s “Dr”? A lot of quarrels and disagreements we have with people are unnecessary. Learn to respect people; it provides the right atmosphere for a thriving relationship (Proverbs 18:24).
In marriage, respect should be mutual. Although, the Bible commands wives to submit to their husbands, this is not a licence for husbands to disrespect their wives (Ephesians 5:21-24). Apostle Peter told husbands to give honour to their wives (1 Peter 3:7). Slavishness in marriage is not scriptural. Submission becomes easier for a wife whose husband treats with love and respect.
The law of respect applies to all relationships. Pastors should respect their members. Bosses should respect their employees. The result would be an atmosphere of cooperation and productivity. The way you treat people is a reflection of the value you give to God, their creator; God did not create trash, He created treasures. Let respect always go ahead of you and you would never be wrong. Amen.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria