Honor up, honor down, honor all around.

November 10-11, 2018

Introduction:

Honor one another. What does that mean? Why should we do it? Whom should we honor? And how do we do it? And what difference will it make?

Dr. John Gottman is one of the foremost authorities on what makes marriages succeed or fail. His work is based on extensive research at the University of Washington. He writes that one of the most consistent predictors of marriage failure is contempt—when couples speak to each other with disrespect and scorn. It’s toxic. Conversely, healthy marriages are built on high doses of respect and honor.

What is true of marriage is true of every relationship. Relationships thrive when we honor and respect each other, and they wilt under the deadly weight of contempt.

Romans 12:10 (p. 976) Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Other translations say

Literally, the Greek reads, “in honor, going before one another.” The word “going before” means “to go before and show the way, to go before and lead”. Lead the way in showing honor. Outdo one another in giving honor.

Imagine a community in which everyone tried to outdo one another in showing honor and respect!

ILL: When Pastor Noel used to go to lunch with us, he always deferred to others and tried to take the back seat in the car. “You sit up front, pl