Honour (Part 2)

Honour is due, not only to the men and women of God as we discovered yesterday, but to all those around us, ‘Honour one another above yourselves’ (Romans 12: 10). If we honour our parents God will bless us with long life, ‘Honour your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you’ (Exodus 20: 12). It may not be easy to do this if our parents have not treated us well, but God asks us to honour them for a reason.

Wives should honour their husbands, responding to them with Christian love. Smith Wigglesworth, the well-known evangelist who also had a powerful healing ministry, was not a Christian to begin with. His wife was, and despite the anger he showed towards her because of her faith, she continued to love him and serve him, obeying him in all things, except when that would have led her to be disobedient to God. He even locked her out of the house one night when she returned from a meeting. The honour she showed him was rewarded amply by God when he became a Christian.

Husbands should also honour their wives and encourage them in the gifting that God has given to them.

How many lives could be changed by our showing honour and respect to those around us? People are far more receptive to hearing the gospel if we have always treated them with respect and have shown that we care for them, those who serve us in our local shops or cafes, for example. In some places churches have shown honour to local authorities by asking if there is anything they can do for the community. As a result schools have been renovated, public places tidied up – and non-believers have come to faith by seeing Christianity in action.

Prayer: Dear Father, May I always remember that I am representing You when I meet others. Please help me always to honour those around me in ways that will glorify You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.