5. The Spirit of Honor
1 Peter 2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Scripture says that we are to honor all men. If this includes people outside of the faith, then how much more those who are in.
What does it mean to honor? God gives us all opportunities to honor people. David was convicted when he cut a piece of cloth of Saul's robe. He was grieved that he did such a thing. Are you grieved when you speak ill of someone even though they may be wrong? We reap what we sow. If we sow the wind, we reap the whirlwind. Our mouths are to be a means of blessing people, not speaking curses over others. Maybe you think someone needs to repent. Did you know that it is the "goodness" of God that brings men to repentance? Try praying the goodness of God upon people's lives. Ask for God's love, goodness, and mercy to be displayed instead of gossiping about people. Or is it that people really don't want other people to change because of their own bitter hearts?
In many cases most would rather gossip than pray for others. Some prayer groups are more like "gossip groups." People look for places to vent their opinions. If you see this happening, expose it on the spot. Whenever you presume to speak negative things about others behind their backs, you are uncovering them and dishonoring them. It is backstabbing. God is not pleased with this. Make sure you have a heart that honors people, and avoid those who talk about others in dishonoring ways. Keep yourself clean. Then pray God's goodness and love be poured out on all involved. When you honor others in private, God will honor you in public. Let your speech be seasoned with salt. Salt is a cleansing agent. It preserves, heals, and restores.
God is faithful!
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