Respect

"Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."
1 Peter 2:17 (NIV)

Have you ever walked away from a political conversation wondering if you just damaged a relationship forever? 

You’re not alone.

I'll never forget watching two longtime friends at a church barbecue get into a heated political argument that ended with one storming off and the other standing there, mouth hanging open. An epidemic of disrespect, more than any other single area, has resulted in a wider political divide than ever before in our country. When you lose respect, you lose the ability to listen, and worse, you stop caring about each other.

In today’s verse, the Apostle Peter writes to believers scattered across a very politically divided empire. Rome rules with an iron fist, but Peter still gives four simple instructions that should guide your political conversations today.

Show proper respect to everyone. Your political discussions should always come from a position of mutual respect. Even when you staunchly disagree, respect demands civility, listening, and knowing when to stop arguing.

Love the family of believers. People will know you're a Christ follower by how you love other Christians, not by your battle lines.

Fear God. Your moral and ethical standards flow from your relationship with God. Never put politics ahead of the Gospel.

Honor the emperor. Regardless of which party holds power, respect your leaders through prayer and honor.

What does this look like on Monday morning? If your family member starts bashing your position, instead of launching into defense mode, try saying, "I hear your concerns. Help me understand what matters most to you." 

Listen first. Ask questions. Look for an opening to share your faith, not just your politics.

God opens doors through respect, not arguments.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that You are sovereign over the universe. You rule and I pray that Your kingdom would come and Your will would be done. In my civil conversations, help me see people as You see them first, as Your creation, second as people Your Son died for. When political differences arise, help me choose respect over being right, and love over winning arguments. In Jesus' name, Amen.