Seek to Respect

Genesis 4:4

4Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering.

Aretha Franklin asked for respect. The love was already there, but what she wanted was the respect. Cain killed because he coveted the same level of respect Abel received from God. So many people are looking for love and respect. The Lord loved both Cain and Abel but it was Abel who was respected because he gave God his best. Cain didn't give God his best but he wanted God to respect him as though he did.  I counted in the concordance at the back of my Bible the number of times love and it's derivatives of lovely, loved and lovingkindness were mentioned. The total was 61. 6 +1=7 which is representative of God's perfect number. And the Word says that perfect love cast out fear. I also counted respect and it's derivative respected and there were only 3 references. 3 represents the number of completion in God. His word also says that we are to respect those in authority. So love and respect is what makes any relationship whether romantic, family, friend or professional complete. Many love but not everyone respects. Love and respect must be mutual. Some equate respect with a title or station in life. But as we see in the news, the life of others isn't respected. Love and respect are not mutually exclusive. If they were, Jesus wouldn't have needed to say love thy neighbor as thyself. If you love and respect, you are less likely to give and do less than what is considered trustworthy. Parents and children whether young or old fight for respect. A son or daughter may know you love them but do you respect their right to make their own choice? A father or mother wants the respect of being full of wisdom of knowledge for their life experience and bringing you into this world. A friend who has been by your side and loved you wants to know you respect them enough not to betray or hurt them. A business relationship or contract is carried through because the respect of both parties is seen as important. For it is the lack of respect that actually breaches trust. 

I had a conversation with a dear friend whom I love and respect and we discussed this issue. Some do not respect because they see you as lesser than. It is in this thinking that people do not give their best to God nor to man. They esteem themselves about all when Jesus said to love others as we love ourselves. It is in this love that we will also seek to respect regardless station or title, have or have not. They are basic human needs that God created in each of us. Seek to love and respect others.