Something appealing to me is the gift of honoring others. What if this is how we naturally treated our family members and friends? How beautiful if this would describe our family lives or friendships:
“If one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.” 1 Corinthians 12:26
When I hear something so desirable, I believe that God wouldn’t have written it in the Bible if it wasn’t possible. I think of Jesus honoring Simon Peter by changing his name to Cephas, or “Rock”, or honoring Zacchaeus as “a true son of Abraham” after he promised to repay those he’d stolen from, or when Elizabeth honored Mary by calling her blessed. Honoring others is life giving – it can make relationships flourish and can plant seeds that can change the course of one’s life.
So I’ll pray into it:
Come Holy Spirit, unleash your power upon us. Help us to not have a critical spirit, but to bless others. Please make honoring a natural, simple act for my family, friends, and community. That we’d naturally honor others, for your glory Lord. Let love lead us. Teach us to call to the surface good, holy, bold things within others to build them up. May we share in the joy of others, and please protect us from jealousy or envy. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
My Heart, My Home 