Honor

“And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor.” – 1 Corinthians 12:23

Wow. Have you ever noticed that before? That verse goes beyond treating the “less honorable” as equals. It says that we give them even greater honor. This is another example showing that the ways of God are so very different from natural human tendencies.

One great example of this Godly nature is the story of the woman who came into a house to anoint Jesus with her very expensive oil. The story tells us that many in the house became angry about her wastefulness. They criticized her action, making her look selfish and uncaring for the poor.

How would you like to be the one person in the room that everyone is reprimanding? She probably felt very small. Her critics dishonored her. But Jesus honored her in front of them all, and we still tell her story today.

In a similar story, the woman was a known sinner. The homeowner sneered at the ignorance of Jesus. He thought Jesus should not let that woman even near Him. But Jesus honored her, declaring that all of her sins were forgiven. She was clean, with no record of anything wrong.

How about the prodigal son? The son who had done many dishonorable things received such great honor from his father, that it made his brother jealous.

This is the heart of God. He gives and gives, always more than is fair. Not only is His love unconditional, but He lifts up those who are lowest. (I’m feeling extremely happy right now!)And here is more good news! We really have this same nature. As I’ve looked at this truth, it has empowered me to be excited about looking for chances to honor those that seem deserving of less honor. Love gives!

As you enjoy the honor that comes from God, you seem to walk with a new spring in your step and a bigger smile on your face. And the honor we’ve been given, is the honor we give. It’s fun and powerful!