Thursday, May 30, 2013

May 30 – Respect

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14  

Respect – esteem. Respect others by being polite and courteous to others and authorities in our lives. Paul instructs the people at the church at Thessalonica about the end times. The important part of this passage is to always respect those who teach us—and as some translations say “admonish” us. Admonish is beyond teaching—but to correcting us. Paul directs them…and us…to encourage and help each other. There are always those in a group who are weak spiritually or physically. We just need to watch out for each other—and be patient. How can we apply that to our families? Children are usually teachable—and it is amazing that sometimes we learn things from them. But kids can be stubborn and need to be admonished when they are “unruly.” It takes patience and peace to teach your children well.  

Training Tip – Teach by being a good example—show respect for others within and beyond your family. It is amazing how children pick up on small things like comments that are made at home about other people. Have you ever spoken respectfully to someone and then told your spouse what you really feel about some person for whom you have no respect? Your children hear what you say…and will imitate you. How are you going to teach them to be respectful? Begin by showing your respect for them and requiring them to be respectful of your spouse and of other in the family..  

Lord Jesus, help us to live at peace with one another, to show respect, esteem, for those who teach us and for whom we are responsible to teach.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.
© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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