If
you – being fallen and incapable of showing the consistent, complete love God shows
– know how to provide the things your children need, how much better will the
Lord God – your father – provide for you. So, spend all your energy to
determine how to serve all the needs of all the other people and to do whatever
you must to provide it to them. This work lives out all the law and the
prophets’ teaching. (Matthew 7:11-12)
People often speak of human dignity,
emphasizing and affirming that each person has worth. Many encourage
self-respect, self-esteem, and generous tolerance of others. In times past, the
emphasis was upon honor; a respect based upon status conferred or earned, and
upon behavior. How do you decide to whom you will grant respect? What must
someone be or do to gain your attention and the standing to be heard?
Jesus says that your entire focus should be
on such listening; respecting everyone as if the other person were yourself,
and working tirelessly – sacrificing anything, to serve their needs. That is
not respect based on dignity nor honor. That is love based upon God’s
authority, and upon His desire for the world to be united by that love.
Open your door, your ears, and your heart,
to everyone whom the Lord sends your way.
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