It is not our purpose to become each other. It is to recognize each other. To learn to see the other and honor him for what he is.
Hermann Hesse
In America, honoring others frequently is conditional and situational. Many must have a reason to extend honor to others. It’s one’s pedigree— title, fame, wealth, gender, ethnicity. The list is endless.
Are you one of these people? Do you need a reason to honor someone or do you “do to others as you would like them to do to you?”
Go shopping on Black Friday. Watch a political campaign commercial. Listen to the hate spewed from the mouths of those opposed to gay marriage. One would conclude that many Americans honor others when it’s convenient, or they share the same belief system.
But that wasn’t what Jesus said. He said. “Listen, what’s the big deal if you love people who already love you? Even scoundrels do that much! So what if you do good to those who do good to you? Even scoundrels do that much! So what if you lend to people who are likely to repay you? Even scoundrels lend to scoundrels if they think they’ll be fully repaid.
Photo by Andrea Kane
If you want to be extraordinary— love your enemies! Do good without restraint! Lend with abandon! Don’t expect anything in return! Then you’ll receive the truly great reward. You will be children of the Most High for God is kind to the ungrateful, and those who are wicked. So imitate God and be truly compassionate. The way your Father is.”
Honoring others is never about us. What’s in it for me? It’s about helping someone
- when it’s not on your daily “to do” list or could affect your reputation.
- whose lifestyle, belief system conflicts with yours.
- who will never be able to reciprocate your kindness.
As we overcome our fear, ignorance and hostility and extend the loving hands of Christ to all, we demolish the barriers to unity and peace. We become the Church non-believers will trust because we love, honor all— including the undeserving.
Luke 6:31 New Living Translation
Thanks for listening to my voice! Feel free to like and share it with your friends.
Have a great day! Rita
Be the VOICE heard amidst the deafening sound of sameness!
letsloveothers 