The Bible on Honour: More Than Just Respect?
What if we’ve misunderstood what honour really means?
What if it isn’t just about saying “Yes sir” or giving gifts to your leaders?
And how do you honour someone doubly; do you bow twice?
The Bible speaks loudly and frequently about honour; honouring God, our parents, spiritual leaders, the aged, widows, kings… even all people. But what exactly does honour mean? Is it respect, submission? Is it love? Or is it something else entirely?
READ ALSO: DOES GOD CHARGE FOR MERCY?
The Questions to Ask
Let’s look at a few verses and ask the right questions:
• This is what the LORD of Armies says: A son honors his father, and a servant honors his master. So if I am a father, where is my honor? If I am a master, where is my respect? Mal 1:6 GW
• Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Exo. 20:12 ESV
• Honor widows who have no families.1 Tim 5:3 GW
• Give double honor to spiritual leaders who handle their duties well. This is especially true if they work hard at teaching the word of God. 1 Tim 5:17 GW
• Honor all people. Love the family of believers. Fear God, honor the King. 1 Peter 2:17 NET
What kind of honour is due to a widow?
What makes honour “double”?
Is honour the same for God as it is for your parents?
These are not just feel-good verses, they are calls to action. But before we can live them out, we have to understand what they truly mean.
So… what is honour, really?
And how can you know if you’re giving it properly?
Start thinking.
READ NEXT: HONOUR (PART 2)
