Webster's defines the verb respect as
to show consideration or esteem for; to relate to. Proverbs 22:1 says that to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. The family dynamic provides many opportunities to demonstrate respect to one another: spouse to spouse; child to child; child to parent; and parent to child. Practice respect in your home -- the environment we are most likely to "let down our hair" and may find ourselves being
disrepectful. Let your home be the classroom where your children learn to be respectful to loved ones, belongings, the outside world, and ultimately, to the Lord.
What does respect look like? Here are a few tangibles:
- eye contact
- listening to the thoughts, opinions, and concerns of someone
- allowing someone to contribute their ideas and talents
- giving someone the benefit of a doubt
- picking up after one's self
- saying please and thank you
- returning borrowed items, etc. in a timely manner and good condition
- not talking badly about someone, making fun of someone, or using words to get back at someone
- focused time with a person
- waiting your turn
- not taking advantage of someone
- being time conscious
- doing what you commit to do for someone
Genuine respect is not motivated by fear. It is motivated by love and appreciation. This does not mean that parents give up their authority. It means that the authority is channeled through their own respect for the child whom they value and their desire to see that child become a well-rounded adult.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T? Find out what it means to me. It means alot!
