Scripture: “Show proper respect to everyone.” I Peter 2:18 (NIV)
Merriam Webster Dictionary definition of respect:
- A relation or reference to a particular thing or situation
- An act of giving particular attention (consideration) to
- High or special regard
- The quality or state of being esteemed
Phrases associated with the word respect:
- Respect and honor your elders and those in authority
- In many respects; in some respects
- In respect of (or someone or something)
- In respect to
- Pay (one) respect (or last respects)
- With all due respect
R: Respectful Rachel’s Story:
“Rachel always enjoyed visiting her grandmother at the Windy Hill Nursing Home and on one such occasion, she talked with her grandmother about what it would be like to work there. Her grandmother was very enthusiastic and supportive of the idea that Rachel would possibly consider working where she lived after she graduated with her nursing degree in a few months. Her grandmother, however, passed away before Rachel graduated.
As Rachel continued her classes and finished her internship at the local hospital, she felt more enthusiastic about her desire to work where her grandmother had lived. She talked with Mrs. Windham, the Director of Windy Hill, and she outlined the qualifications Rachel needed to begin working as a nurse. However, the more they talked, Rachel felt that she wanted to continue her education beyond her nursing degree and go on to get her Ph.D in Nursing Administration. The Director hired Rachel part time so that she could get some experience while continuing her education.
After working very hard over the next three years, Rachel was able to graduate with her Ph.D. She had both the experience of working in a nursing home and obtaining the necessary degree to apply as the Director when Mrs. Windham retired in a few months.
When Rachel took over Mrs. Windham’s position as Director, she immediately had a staff meeting. She knew most of the staff because she had worked there for three years. Rachel assured them that she would be respectful of their positions and told them that her grandmother’s philosophy was “respect is earned and it is important that you treat others the way you wanted to be treated.” She would do the same for all of them as well.
Rachel was respected by her staff because she believed that what they were doing was important and she also saw how they treated their patients and residents in kind.”
I Thessalonians 5:12-13 says, “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” (NIV) This scripture says that we must respect one another in the Lord and live in peace.
May the Lord help each of us to be respectful of one another, even if our ideas are different from theirs.
Blessings,
Yvonne