The Biblical Definition of Respect: In the Bible, respect is often associated with honor, reverence, and humility. It involves recognizing the value of others, obeying authority, and treating people with kindness and dignity. Respect is shown to God, parents, elders, leaders, and fellow humans.
Key Scriptures
- Respect for God
- Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
- Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
- Respect for Parents
- Exodus 20:12 – “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”
- Ephesians 6:2-3 – “Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
- Respect for Authority
- Romans 13:1 – “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.”
- 1 Peter 2:17 – “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.”
- Respect for Others
- Matthew 7:12 – “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.”
- Philippians 2:3 – “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
- Respect for Elders and Leaders
- Leviticus 19:32 – “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord.”
- Hebrews 13:17 – “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.”
Key Prayer Points on Respect
- Prayer for Respecting God: Lord, help me to honor and fear You in all I do. Let my life be a reflection of reverence for You. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
- Prayer for Respecting Parents: Father, give me the grace to honor my parents in words and deeds, that I may receive Your blessings. (Exodus 20:12)
- Prayer for Respecting Authority: Lord, help me to be submissive to the leaders and authorities You have placed over me, recognizing that all authority comes from You. (Romans 13:1)
- Prayer for Respecting Others: Father, teach me to love and respect others, treating them as I would want to be treated. Remove every form of pride and selfishness from my heart. (Matthew 7:12)
- Prayer for Respecting Elders: Lord, help me to value and honor the wisdom and experience of the elderly. May I always show them kindness and respect. (Leviticus 19:32)
- Prayer for a Respectful Heart: Lord, transform my heart to walk in humility, kindness, and respect toward all people, regardless of their status or background. (Philippians 2:3)
- Prayer for Respecting Spouses (in Marriage): Lord, help me to honor and respect my spouse, showing love, patience, and understanding in our relationship. May our marriage reflect Your love and grace. (Ephesians 5:33 – “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”)
- Prayer for Respecting Church Leaders: Father, bless and strengthen the spiritual leaders You have placed in my life. Help me to honor and respect them as they guide me in Your truth. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”)
- Prayer for Respecting Co-workers and Employers: Lord, grant me a humble heart to respect my employers and colleagues, working with diligence and integrity as unto You. (Colossians 3:23 – “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”)
- Prayer for Children to Learn Respect: Father, instill in my children a heart of respect for You, for us as parents, and for others. Let them grow in wisdom and obedience. (Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”)
- Prayer for Respecting Our Bodies (as God’s Temple): Lord, help me to honor and respect my body, avoiding anything that defiles or harms it. Let me use my body to glorify You. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”)
- Prayer for Respect in Society and Community: Father, let our society be filled with love and respect for one another. Heal divisions and help us to walk in peace and understanding. (Romans 12:10 – “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”)
- Prayer Against Disrespect and Pride: Lord, remove from my heart any form of pride, arrogance, or disrespect. Fill me with humility and a heart that honors others. (Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”)
- Prayer for Respecting Time and Resources: Help me, Lord, to be a good steward of my time, talents, and resources. Let me not waste what You have given me, but use it wisely for Your glory. (Ephesians 5:15-16 – “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”)
- Prayer for a Spirit of Humility and Servanthood: Father, teach me to serve others with humility and love, putting their needs above mine. Let my life reflect Your servant heart. (Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”)