Japan has a long-standing culture of honor. In the Bible, God also talks about honor. We are called to honor God, and in return He honors us as well. But what can we do to honor God? Discover the answer in this week’s message from Pastor Masashi.

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HONORING GOD 

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE HEART OF A SAMURAI?

The Seven Virtues of Bushido

1. 義 (Gi) - Rectitude or Justice: This is the most important virtue. It's about doing what is right and just, and having the moral courage to act on that knowledge without hesitation. It's the ability to make a rational, ethical decision and follow through, even if it means dying.
2. 勇 (Yū) - Courage: This is not just a lack of fear, but the bravery to do what is right. True courage, according to Bushido, is only virtuous when it is exercised in the cause of righteousness and justice.
3. 仁 (Jin) - Benevolence or Compassion: A warrior with the power to command and kill was expected to demonstrate a high degree of benevolence and mercy. This value emphasizes the importance of love, sympathy, and magnanimity toward others, especially the less fortunate.
4. 礼 (Rei) - Respect or Politeness: Samurai were expected to be polite and courteous to everyone, including their enemies. This virtue is rooted in a benevolent regard for the feelings of others and is a sign of inner strength and self-control.
5. 誠 (Makoto) - Honesty and Sincerity: A samurai's word was their bond. To make a promise was considered a serious and absolute truth. Dishonesty, deception, and lying were considered shameful and unworthy of a true warrior.
6. 名誉 (Meiyo) - Honor: This is the vivid consciousness of one's personal dignity and worth. For a samurai, honor was the most important thing, and a life without it was not worth living. The fear of disgrace was a powerful motivator, and in the face of dishonor, a samurai might choose ritual suicide (seppuku) to restore their name.
7. 忠義 (Chūgi) - Loyalty: This was a supreme virtue, especially in the feudal era. A samurai's loyalty to their master (daimyō) was paramount, and they were expected to serve them with unwavering devotion, even to the point of death.

“Every foreign visitor notices the politeness and refinement of the Japanese people. If courtesy were practiced merely out of a fear of losing one’s good name, it would be a poor kind of virtue. True courtesy is the visible expression of consideration for the feelings of others. In its highest form, courtesy approaches almost to love.” ~ Inazo Nitobe

(Matthew 22:37-40 ERV)

Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ (38) This is the first and most important command. (39) And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ (40) All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands.”

(Matthew 8:5-10 NLT) 

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer[b] came and pleaded with him, (6) “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” (7) Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” (8) But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. (9) I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” (10) When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!

(Matthew 8:13 NLT) 

Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.

TO HONOR MEANS TO PUT WEIGHT, VALUE, RESPECT, PRIORITIZE 

(Matthew 8:8-9 NLT) 

But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. (9) I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” 

(John 14:15 ERV) 

If you love me, you will do what I command.

GOD HONORS THOSE WHO HONOR HIM

(Matthew 8:10 NLT) 

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!

(Matthew 8:13 NLT) 

Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.

(1 Samuel 2:30b NLT)

I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me. 

(Luke 14:11 NLT) 

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

(Proverbs 22:4 ERV) 

Respect the Lord and be humble. Then you will have wealth, honor, and true life.

(John 10:10 NLT) 

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

HOW CAN WE LIVE A LIFE OF HONORING GOD? 

1. PUT GOD FIRST 
2. VALUE THE TIME WITH GOD (JOURNALING & PRAYER) 
3. BLESS OTHERS

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CONNECT GROUP QUESTIONS:

• How would you describe honor God in your own words?
• Why did the woman pour expensive perfume on Jesus?
• How can we bring honor to God in our daily lives?
• What can we learn about honor from the Roman officer’s faith (Matthew 8)?
• This week, what is one way you can put God first and bless others?

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