I was heading to work the other day when a Fire Rescue Unit with his sirens on came up behind the traffic. I slowed though the vehicle was in the other lane. I was amazed by how many people sped around 
me and then passed the emergency vehicle.
That got me thinking about society these days and the lack of respect we seem to have as Americans. We all demand to be respected, yet few of us are willing to reciprocate. The police are being targeted with hate, blacks are targeted because of the color their skin. Democrats are idiots, Republicans are fools.
There was a time no one knew our private lives or who we voted for, now we display it out openly and get upset when others insult us. And we lash back usually with name calling and bullying. That is especially true when it comes to politics.
As Christians, we should rise above all this and show respect to all. Even those who are voting non-Christian views. Matthew 7:12 states, we should do to others what you would have them do to you,for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. We hate it when others treat us badly, yet we turn right around and do the same and find ways to justify it.
We need to remember that God gave us one mouth and two ears to be willing to listen more than speak. That goes with posting things on social media. Instead of listening, we have a tendency to toss loaded barbs that hurt others.
___________________________
Self respect by definition is a confidence and pride in knowing that your behaviour is both honorable and dignified. Therefore when you harass or vilify another person, you not only disrespect them, but you also. -Respect yourself by respecting others. – Miya Yamanouchi, author
___________________________
We as a culture have turned to hostility as a way to respond to things we disagree with. This must stop. We were not created to be uncivilized, which is the direction we are heading with all this hate talk.
Being nasty to those who disagree with you doesn’t make your position stronger. In fact, it weakens it. And it certainly doesn’t show Jesus’ love and grace. We need to show our position with kindness and regard to the other person’s feelings. Give knowledgeable reasons behind your thinking instead of curse words and name calling.
The old saying ‘you catch more flies with sugar than vinegar’ is true. And our reactions to others should leave the sweet taste of sugar instead of the harshness of vinegar.
There’s another old saying – ‘if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.’ A lot of us need to keep this one in mind. And remember if all you have is name calling to prove your point, then you really don’t have one.
If you or someone you know is in need of prayer this week, please leave a comment. We’d be more than happy to pray for you. And if this post moved you in some way, please feel free to share it.
Sign up to receive a free book and my quarterly newsletter at http://eepurl.com/bEucsn
Amen!!
Thanks, Darlene.