Respect is an essential value taught and exemplified throughout the Bible. It is evident in various teaching, parables, and commandments, making it an integral component of Christian ethics. Respect encompasses the honoring of God, self, and others, including parents, authorities, and even enemies. This comprehensive look at the Bible’s teachings about respect aims to give a broad understanding of this pillar of Christian morality.
Who Commands Respect in the Bible
The Bible refers to respect in multiple instances, portraying it as a universal necessity. First and foremost, it is God who commands the highest respect. This is not merely a passive acceptance of His existence, but an active reverence characterized by faith, obedience, and worship. Respect for God is fundamental in the Christian faith, shaping how individuals view and interact with the world.
Respect for parents comes as a direct command from the Christian faith, emphasizing the importance of honoring the family structure. This respect is advocated not only in the context of young children but carries through to adulthood. The respect expounded by the Bible extends beyond parents to include all elders, instructing believers to value their wisdom and experience.
What Does Respect Look Like in the Bible
In the context of Christian teachings, respect goes beyond merely tolerating others or being polite. It involves showing genuine concern for others’ well-being, putting others before ourselves, and treating others as we would want to be treated. This is often linked with the biblical principle of love. When we respect individuals according to the Bible’s teachings, we demonstrate the unselfish, sacrificial love epitomized by Jesus Christ himself in his interactions with others.
Respecting authority is also profoundly emphasized in the Bible, asserting the significance of maintaining order in society. This includes honoring those who are in leadership roles, regardless of personal beliefs about their decisions or actions. This aspect of respect underscores the importance of peaceful and harmonious living within any community.
Where Respect Influences Interactions in the Bible
Respect plays a profound role in the Bible’s narratives, shaping the interactions of its diverse characters. From the Old Testament prophets to Jesus Christ and his apostles in the New Testament, respect shapes their encounters and communication. Whether in the dialogues between God and humanity, among family members, or in the broader society, such respect-based interactions often serve as models for believers to emulate.
Why Respect is Key to Christian Living as Taught in the Bible
The Bible paints respect as a core pillar of Christian life due to several reasons. Fundamental among them is that it acknowledges the inherent value of every individual as a creation of God. By showing respect, Christians affirm the dignity and worth of others and, in turn, replicate the love of God. Respect is also crucial in fostering unity and peaceful coexistence among believers, facilitating the harmonious functioning of the church and society at large.
When the Bible Teaches Respect Should be Practised
According to the Bible, practicing respect is not conditional or time-bound but should be a constant approach to life. It emphasizes that respect should be given at all times, to all people, and in all circumstances. This is regardless of societal dynamics such as wealth, power, or social status. The Bible passages about respect affirm that respect is an inherent human right and should remain a fundamental doctrine of Christian ethics.
Below is our full list of bible verses on respect (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Respect
Matthew 7:12
“12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
Related Themes: Criticism Gossip Respecting Your Parents Morality
Romans 12:10
“10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Humility Attitude Love
1 Peter 2:17
“17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Reverence Politics Fear
Exodus 20:12
“12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Children Dating Family
Titus 2:7
“7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,”
Related Themes: Morality Gold Morals Excellence
Philippians 2:3
“3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
Related Themes: Pride Humility Respecting Your Parents
Romans 13:2
“2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Killing
Leviticus 19:32
“32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Reverence Old Age Hair
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
“12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Reverence Respecting Your Parents Reverence
Romans 12:9-11
“9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”
Related Themes: Dating Love Serving Others Leadership Love
Romans 13:1-7
“1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Politics Morality Sovereignty
Luke 14:10
“10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.”
2 Corinthians 10:12-16
“12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.”
Related Themes: Pride Boasting Self Respect Morality
Acts 10:34-35
“34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”
Related Themes: Strangers Favoritism Equality Discrimination
1 Peter 3:7
“7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”
Related Themes: Dating Marriage Respecting Your Parents Benevolence
Colossians 3:25
“25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”
Related Themes: Justice Punishment Revenge Partiality
Ephesians 5:33
“33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
Related Themes: Dating Respecting Your Parents Marriage Love Adultery
Hebrews 13:7
“7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”
Related Themes: Leadership Reverence Mentoring
1 Peter 3:15
“15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”
Related Themes: Hope Arguing Gentleness Reverence Preparation
Ephesians 6:1-3
“1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Children
Romans 2:7-16
“7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”
Related Themes: Perseverance Patience Glorification
Luke 6:31
“31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
Related Themes: Gossip Business Judging Others Love Friendship
Matthew 19:19
“19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Dating Self Respect Love
Romans 13:7
“7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
Related Themes: Money Respecting Your Parents Business Money Finances
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
Hebrews 13:17
“17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Discernment Reverence Manipulation Leadership
John 3:16-17
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
1 Peter 5:5
“5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
Related Themes: Humility Pride Humility Respecting Your Parents Children
Romans 13:1
“1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Politics Morality Sovereignty
1 Samuel 2:30
“30 Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”
Related Themes: Honor Respecting Your Parents
