Dealing with Disrespect
Are you regularly being disrespected by someone? Do you want to know why? Have a seat.
The content of their heart is being made manifest. “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) They are disrespectful because they are full of disrespect. The overflow or outworking of what is in their heart becomes obvious in conversation, obvious in conduct, and obvious in a continual disregard for your person.
What do you do in a situation like this? Forgive. Forgive them even as God through Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32). (Remembering the ways I have disrespected God helps me to forgive those who disrespect me. Remembering His forgiveness helps me put their trespass in perspective. History says, when I am willing to admit it, I am not better than the person disrespecting me.) Love. Love them in high quality service that is aimed at pleasing God and promoting faith in Christ. Respect. Respect them even if they disrespect you. Do not stoop to their level or take a break from following Jesus on account of their bad behavior. And then, if God allows, respectfully and humbly remove yourself from the situation.
In church history there are examples of people that were mistreated and but still returned kindness. They were disrespected and yet remained undaunted in doing right by their assailants. Here are three of them:
- Joseph (Genesis 50:20) – He was sold into slavery by his brothers. Later he chose to deal with them through the perspective of his purpose and God’s grace.
- David (1 Samuel 24:3-7) – The shepherd boy was relentlessly hunted by an insecure leader. Instead of making the most of his enemy’s vulnerable moment, David extends grace based on his reverence for God. Although repeatedly disrespected, David treats Saul with dignity and respect.
- Stephen (Acts 6-7) – This man is the first recorded martyr of the church. When he is being falsely accused and then executed, he offers forgiveness. Notice that Stephen offers forgiveness not based on perfect apologies but based on the leading of the Spirit of Christ in Him.
Doing right by people who are doing us wrong is important. Showing kindness when people are unkind is part of the calling that is on our lives (1 Peter 3:9; Matthew 5:44). For those of us following Jesus, this is our family heritage and the mind and manner of Christ Himself (Isaiah 53:7; 1 Peter 2:23; Matthew 27:12-14).
In His grip by His grace,
Roderick L. Barnes, Sr.
P.S. Let no one think that the author of this post is above what is being written. My stuff stinks too. There are times when I am the person that has to repent of being disrespectful.
P.S. Let no one think that the author of this post is above what is being written. My stuff stinks too. There are times when I am the person that has to repent of being disrespectful.