Honor

Bill Brinkworth

In a time when selfishness and self-concern are the primary concern for many, there is still a need of having respect towards others. Honoring others needs to be important especially to Christians that want to obey God’s guidelines found in His Word, the Bible. Here are several areas in which the Word of God commands believers to honor others:

Honor God. Honor Him by obeying His rules, respecting His church and His Word, giving, praising Him.
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11
“Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.” Psalm 71:8
“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:” Proverb 3:9

Honor His Son. We honor God’s only son by trusting what Jesus did to provide salvation and also by calling upon Him for our needs.
“That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.” John 5:23
“If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:26

Honor everyone.
“Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” I Peter 2:17

Honor your parents. This should also include “step parents” and grandparents, if they are rearing you.
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12

Honor the man of God, your pastor.
“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” I Timothy 5:17

Honor widows.
“Honour widows that are widows indeed.” I Timothy 5:3

Honor the aged.
“Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;” I Timothy 5:1

Honor your wives.
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” I Peter 3:7

Honor authorities.
“Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” I Peter 2:17

Honor yourself.
“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.” Proverb 20:3
“He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.” Proverb 21:21
“That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;” I Thessalonians 4:4

This article was featured in The Bible View #147.