In today’s society, respect has become rare—replaced by entitlement, double standards, and manipulation. Yet, the foundation for living together respectfully isn’t complicated. In fact, most of us learned it in kindergarten. Somewhere along the way, we abandoned those simple truths and began excusing behavior that destroys trust, relationships, and community.
The Problem: Pharisee-Like Behavior
We often see the “do as I say, not as I do” mentality. People set rules for others but excuse themselves from following them. In relationships, workplaces, and even institutions, the double standard is rampant. Women sometimes think it is “okay” to slap men because men are physically stronger—yet, respect is not about power, but restraint. Others think it is acceptable to steal, manipulate, or take advantage of others simply because they can.
The truth is simple: it is never okay to harm, exploit, or disrespect someone else.
📖 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3
The Forgotten Kindergarten Rules
Imagine if adults carried into their marriages, workplaces, and communities the same rules they learned at five years old:
- Listen when the teacher is talking → Respect authority and others’ voices.
📖 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God.” — Romans 13:1 - Keep your hands and feet to yourself → Do not harm others, physically or emotionally.
📖 “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” — Romans 12:17 - Be kind to others → Treat others how you want to be treated.
📖 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” — Matthew 7:12 - Don’t touch what doesn’t belong to you → Respect property, time, and boundaries.
📖 “You shall not steal.” — Exodus 20:15 - Use polite words like “please” and “thank you” → Manners show humility and gratitude.
📖 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.” — Colossians 4:6 - Wait your turn → Practice patience and fairness.
📖 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” — Ephesians 4:2 - Help others when you can → Build community, not competition.
📖 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
These are not childish guidelines—they are timeless truths for living in harmony.
Respect Beyond Rules
Even the Bible gives us the Ten Commandments, which echo these same principles of respect, accountability, and love. But many ignore them, twisting truth to justify selfish behavior. When respect dies, frustration and violence rise.
📖 “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” — Galatians 5:14
Respect is not weakness. It is strength under control. It is choosing not to take advantage, even when you can. It is valuing others, not using them.
📖 “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4
Thriving With Respect
To thrive with more respect, we must return to simplicity. Respect each other’s time, space, property, and dignity. Speak kindly. Listen attentively. Avoid taking advantage of others, whether in relationships, business, or community.
The world doesn’t need more intellectuals who know how to manipulate rules—it needs more people who act like good kindergarteners. Because the truth is: respect is the foundation of peace.
📖 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” — Romans 12:18
✨ Respect costs nothing but changes everything. To thrive with less disrespect, we must rediscover the simplicity of respect—and live it daily.
🙏 Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for reminding us of the beauty and simplicity of respect. You taught us through Your Word and even through the lessons of childhood that kindness, patience, and humility are the foundations of peace.
Forgive us for the times we have chosen selfishness over love, pride over humility, and harm over kindness. Renew in us a childlike heart that seeks to honor others as much as we honor You.
Help us, Lord, to live out the commandment to “love our neighbor as ourselves” (Galatians 5:14). May our words be gracious, our actions gentle, and our hearts filled with compassion.
Teach us to respect one another’s time, space, and dignity so that our homes, workplaces, and communities may reflect Your love and order.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
Thrive on Less 
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