Respect is hard to come by these days. Everyone is in for insults and defamation by others, whether deserved or undeserved. God inspired Peter to write, “Honor all” (1 Peter 2:17). Respect involves honoring or showing deference to another person. Literally it means to take a look again or to look back upon. Someone you want to see a second time is a person you hold in an honorable position. It is important to help raise others’ morale and confidence by showing them respect. Humans of all races, ages, economic backgrounds and social status appreciate being respected. While we may have issues with others’ behaviors, we may learn to respect the person but not his or her actions. In some cases parents have acted dishonorably toward their children. In such cases children can respect the office or position of the parent without honoring the evil actions of that parent. I knew a man who, when he was growing up, heard disparaging remarks about other races. This sent a message to him that those other races were not desirable. But he determined not to pass this prejudice and lack of respect on to his children. His children had the advantage of not looking at the color of others’ skin in order to determine their respectability. What a blessing that his children did not put a person down before they ever knew him or her. In our own lives and with our family members, we need to show respect and honor. To have respect we need to: • Realize we all are made in the image of God, regardless of our skin color and ethnic origin. • Look for the good in others, instead of focusing on faults. • Listen with our ears, eyes and heart. • Speak uplifting words. • Be courteous and mannerly. • Think of others’ incredible human potential. • Do good things for others. • Pray to have the graciousness of God toward others. Respect or regard may also be extended to animals. In Proverbs we read, “A righteous man regards the life of his animal” (Proverbs 12:10). Jesus cared enough for oxen and donkeys that He said it would be allowable to rescue them from a ditch even on the holy Sabbath day (Luke 14:5). As I write this, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is upon us in the United States, reminding us of this civil rights leader’s call for peace and mutual respect between the races. Hopefully we as Christians will practice respect and honor for all of any race or creed. Remember, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” for each of us (John 3:16). Now that is the highest honor that He can give for all humanity. Let’s be like our Heavenly Father and show respect and honor for others.