Do you respect someone only for what they do  or they stand up for what they believe?  Sometimes I find it difficult to listen to someone that I totally disagree with. ? Do you, with me, wonder what the best response is to someone who is disrespectful?  And, when is enough  enough?

What is respect?   A quick check in the dictionary reveals respect is warranted for someone who is serious, is to be esteemed and deserves appropriate treatment.  My bible lexicon expands the meaning to honor, value, respect, or treat some as worthy of recognition.  The expansion to “honor” has significance in understanding the different aspects of respect. In the apostle Peter’s  writing, he says to “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”

Peter lived during the periods when Claudius and Nero were emperors.  Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome and Nero put to death Peter.  In context the respect or honor of the emperor had nothing to do with the behavior of a person. Rather, it was due to the respect due to the position and value of the office held. However, honoring everyone conveys the idea that all humans due to the humanity created in God’s image are due everyone’s respect.

I had a corporate officer who was a great listener. You made a grave mistake if you thought that meant he agreed with your position. He listened to be able to understand.  You probably have encountered exactly the opposite attitude with some.  They appear to be listening but are really just preparing their immediate response without comprehending what you are saying. This is a great difference between understanding and agreement.

A more difficult moment occurs when it is obvious another person has no interest in understanding your beliefs.  I have found this may occur in two different ways.  The first occurs when another person refuses to even talk about a subject.  It may be to prevent conflict which may be prudent and advisable.  That, however, blinds one to understanding ideas that might be life-changing.

The second occurs when you are treated disrespectfully, If another person dose treat you with disrespect, the biblical response is also in the reference to Peter’s writing.  We are to love everyone—even our enemies. We should respond with kindness and love.

There comes a time when  “enough is enough.”  Two cases come to mind. In Paul’s missionary journeys Paul and Barnabus had different judgments about what to do about John Mark.  They parted amicably.  In the case of those that refuse to listen, Jesus told the 70 to “shake the dust off their feet” and depart that town.  Sometimes, maintaining a relationship is not an appropriate action.   In all cases we are to love and respect everyone – even this one