Day 19 — Respect

“Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”

— 1 Peter 2:17 (BSB)

What does it mean to respect someone? It means treating them as valuable. It’s the way you talk to them, the way you listen, the way you act around them. It says, You matter.

Peter’s list starts with a big word: “everyone.” Not just people you like. Not just people who are nice to you. Not just people who are older or more important. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, because every person is made in God’s image.

That includes:

• Your parents. The Bible tells us to honor our father and mother. That means speaking kindly to them, obeying them and not rolling your eyes!
• Teachers, coaches and leaders. They work hard to help you. Respect means listening, following instructions and not talking back.
• Older people. The Bible says to honor the elderly. They have lived a long time and often have a lot of wisdom to share.
• Kids your age. Even the ones who are different from you, or the ones nobody else seems to like.
• People who serve you. The cafeteria worker, the bus driver, the janitor. They’re made in God’s image too.

Then Peter says, “honor the king.” Here’s something interesting: the king at the time Peter wrote this was the Roman emperor, and he was not a friend to Christians. Peter still told believers to show respect to him. Respect doesn’t depend on whether someone deserves it. It depends on who God is and who made them.

Respect also doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone or do something wrong just because someone tells you to. If anyone ever asks you to do something wrong or unsafe, you should say no and tell a trusted adult. But in everyday life, respect is the way Jesus wants us to treat people.

And notice what’s right in the middle of the list: “fear God.” That means to respect God most of all: to honor Him, obey Him and take Him seriously. When we respect God, it becomes easier to respect the people He made.

Think about it: Who is someone you find hard to respect? What would it look like to treat them “with high regard” anyway?

Try this: Show respect to someone today in a way they don’t expect. Thank a teacher, bus driver or cafeteria worker, and look them in the eye when you do.

Dear God, thank You that every person is made in Your image. Help me treat everyone with respect: my parents, my teachers, older people, other kids and people who serve me. Most of all, help me honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.