Unleash Kingdom RelationshipsSýnishorn

Honoring Others

In Romans 12:10, Paul instructs us to “Honor one another above yourselves.” According to Merriam-Webster, to honor someone means “to regard or treat (them) with admiration and respect.” In our culture, we typically reserve honor for people we consider important, highly accomplished, or of strong influence. It doesn’t even occur to most people to honor those whom we consider beneath us, or even perhaps at the same level. Yet Paul adds no qualifier to this instruction. He is telling us to honor all people, and this applies to those with whom we work.

What does it look like to honor someone? It includes the way we speak to people, the respect we give, the commitment we make to listening with the intent to understand. At work, it includes acknowledging the contributions of others, asking for and valuing their opinions, and investing time to get to know our coworkers.

The words we speak have power. Proverbs 16:24 says kind words actually promote health. Proverbs 18:21 reinforces that “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Our words can build someone up emotionally and physically, or our words can tear them down. Even constructive feedback can be spoken from a place of love, encouragement, and belief in the other person’s ability to grow. The Holy Spirit empowers us to speak encouraging words out of an overflow of love when we remain committed to staying connected.

In 1 Peter 2:17, Peter tells us to honor all people – not just executives, or those with the greatest influence or achievements. Imagine a workplace in which every person knew they were image-bearers of God. What would that look like? What would be different about the relationships you build?

You may be where you are so you can build Kingdom relationships in your work. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to unleash His power to show honor to others in all circumstances out of the love God pours into you. Then watch the kingdom impact those relationships will have!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to recognize when I am tempted to think of myself more highly than I ought to. Help me to humble myself so that I can delight in showing honor to others. Help me to be a light for Christ to others in my workplace. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

To go deeper into developing Kingdom relationships, visit Women in the Marketplace and check out Unleashed: Living a Fully Integrated Life.