A Respectful Witness

Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.

1 Peter 2:17

WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP, your parents were there to nurture you. Mom changed your diapers, comforted you when you were sick, and washed your uniform for all your games. Dad cheered you at those ball games, taught you how to drive, and helped you with homework. They both took pictures of you and your prom date, sat through that long convocation when you graduated, and helped you through college.

But in college, you met Christ, and He radically changed your worldview. Slowly but surely, your path began to deviate from that of your parents. Can the wedge between you today be overcome?

As they age, people tend to become more inflexible in their beliefs. If your parents aren’t Christians now, they probably won’t become believers if you beat them over the head with your Bible. And self-righteousness and judgmentalism will push them away. How can you share God’s love with them?

“Respect” is not just the name of an old pop song. It’s something we demonstrate with our words and tone of voice. We show it with our sincere responses, not with eye rolling. We give it as we listen attentively and as we serve faithfully. “Everyone” includes our parents, no matter how old we are, no matter if they are Christians or not. In showing respect to your parents, you honor them and are a great witness for God.

BOTTOM LINE

Respecting your parents is a way of loving God. Ask Him to help you love your parents well, despite the differences you may have.

Moment of Strength: 1 Peter 2:11-25