Part of growing in Christlikeness is learning to be an honouring person. It is, however, hard to be honouring when we are fed up with people, especially when we find them irritating.

Over the years, I have learned to remove “𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀” and “𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿” from my relationship vocabulary. “Always” and “never” are rarely factual. When you use phrases that include “always” or “never,” you are telling others that they cannot do anything right, and that you don’t believe they can ever change! This will only discourage them and make them feel condemned.

Keep the focus on the present situation, and be specific and factual. Learn to 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻. When we do that, we are using the situation as an opportunity to help someone become smarter and wiser, and to be more effective and efficient the next time. But if we get into personal attacks, the plot is lost, the problem is not solved and our relationship sours.

Jesus carries a strong anointing of God because He carries a spirit of honour. We must do the same! By the grace of God, let’s learn to be honouring towards people around us.