Loving People Isn't EasySample

Love does not dishonour

It places high value on people.
It recognises the image of God in others.
It highly esteems others knowing that they are autographed by God.
It doesn't treat people as ordinary or nothing special.
It encourages and builds up.
It believes in the best.
It doesn't demean, degrade, and disgrace people.
It doesn't constantly call out people's flaws.
It doesn't ridicule, taunt and insult.
It doesn't reduce people to one their one toxic trait.

It sees the worth in someone despite their weaknesses.
It doesn't tear down someone with words.
It enjoys discussion and dialogue more than debate.
It doesn't devalue the person it disagrees with.
It doesn't cancel people who offend it.
It isn't easily offended at all!
It doesn't assume the worst about someone just because of a rumour.
It doesn't expose their errors or show their shortcomings to others.

It deeply values people despite their personal political, moral, religious, and social worldview.
Their financial standing, status, and position don't affect their substance.
It doesn't define people by their habits, eccentricities, and quirks.
It doesn't determine what they are made of based on their opinions.
It regards parents and elders as forerunners and doesn't discount their importance because they are imperfect.

In a culture that mocks the idea of God confidently,
Denies His existence completely,
And defies His authority conceitedly;
Love honours God through every ounce of its being.

Love does not dishonour.

A few self-reflection questions:

1. Have you found yourself "dishonouring God" in your actions, words and thoughts?
2. Can you think of instances when you've dishonoured those in leadership over you?
3. How can you work on being more honouring in your relationships?

Journalling Prompt:

Get your journal out and write down the phrase “­­_______ does not DISHONOUR” (insert your name in the blank space). Now, use your creativity through words, art, painting, doodling, or whatever your creative expression is to bring this page alive intentionally – in a way that you’d remember to practice being honourable and respectful to others like 1 Cor 13 expects us to.