"Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."  Ephesians 4:32

We were quite humbled when approached to write a devotional about respect in relationships.  We had always been quick to identify a lack of respect in others’ interactions with each other and had a handful of friends whom we have long admired in their interactions with each other and those around them.  Often we would attempt to duplicate what we thought they were doing right, but after a time the newness of our resolve would wear off and we would slump back into our old ways – self-centered and back biting.  Jesus calls us to love – as He has loved us.  

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul gives us a mighty command, to be kind, tender hearted and forgiving to one another – as God in Christ forgives us.  True respect in a relationship – marriage, family, friendships – cannot be achieved by our own will alone.  As it happened within our relationship it becomes “too hard”, the stress of day to day life weighs upon us and we resort to taking that stress out on those we are closest to and love the most.  Jesus has much better plans and desires for us!

In our life, respect for one another came more easily when Jessi drew more close to God, coming before Him and seeking His help for my own respect for our marriage and tempering of my heart, to be positive and joyful.  And with the grace from God alone and in complete selflessness submitting to David, letting go of all earthly pride.  The changes God was making in her became more visible to David and in tandem she recognized God softening David’s heart.  With Jesus moving in our relationship, we began to lean upon respect and kindness toward each other, and God’s promise to help us do those very things.  Rather than complaining to each other, we seek help from Jesus, requesting that He move within us, molding us as He desires – not doing them of our own accord.  When we take our eyes off of God, when we give in to the lies of the world, we stumble and begin to chomp on each other.  It is then the sweet whisper of the Holy Spirit pulls upon us to come to Him – seeking forgiveness through Jesus and from each other.  

• Reflect upon what God’s desire for respect within your relationships looks like.  
• In prayer, ask Him to make that desire a reality and commit to seeking His help in that work daily.  

More to reflect upon:
Psalm 19:14
Ephesians 4:21-24