Living a Lifestyle of Respect for Others

As believers in Christ, we are called to give respect to everyone no matter how they treat us. We give the respect to bullies that they never gave us.

That's what makes us different from the world. Taking rudeness personally is a weakness in us. Compassion is at the very root of someone who loves Christ.

We may have to call out rudeness when there is a consistent bully, and we may have to remove ourselves but we do not have to act the way they do.

Matthew 5:44: "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.Proverbs 26:4-5

Proverbs 26:4-5 "4 Answer not a fool according to his folly,
lest you be like him yourself.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
lest he be wise in his own eyes."

My take on this passage is that we are not to answer a fool the way he speaks to us, but we can answer wisely without anger.

When we see they are stubborn and resistant, then we do not give them any feedback; in other words, silence.

Proverbs 23:9: "Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words."

2 Timothy 2:23-24 "But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing."

And finally, if we have constant companions who act foolishly and contentiously, we will begin to act like them. This is the reason our close circle of friends must be those who love Christ the way we love Him.

Proverbs 13:20: "He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed."

1 Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Proverbs 29:9 "If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution."

Proverbs 9:7-8 "He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you."

Sometimes silence is the best answer of all for those who wish to provoke you into sinful responses.