The Heart of Servanthood: Possessing an Honoring Spirit

In the beautiful tapestry of Christian servanthood, an honoring spirit stands as a vibrant thread. It weaves respect, dignity, and love into every action we take. An honoring spirit is the second key to having a heart of servanthood. It beckons us to see and value others as God sees them. They are worthy of love, kindness, and profound respect.  

Romans 12:10 reminds us: "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." These words lay the foundation for the way we are called to serve. They reflect the very heart of Christ in our interactions with others. 

Respect and Reverence for Others 

At its core, an honoring spirit is characterized by respect and reverence for others. It surpasses mere politeness or courtesy. It is a deep acknowledgment of the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We might encounter a stranger in passing. We may meet a friend in need. It could even be someone who has wronged us. An honoring spirit calls us to respond with kindness and grace. It is an intentional choice to see the image of God in every individual and treat them accordingly. 

Even Jesus says that it is easy to show love to someone who is a friend or family. The real test is loving the person who hates you. You can see this in both Luke 6:27-36 and Matthew 5:44-46 (more specifically Luke 6:32). 

This perspective transforms the way we engage with the world. When we honor others, we create an atmosphere where every person feels valued, respected, and loved. It is in these moments of honoring that we echo the love of Christ, who consistently uplifted the downtrodden and marginalized. 

Jesus: The Model of an Honoring Spirit 

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus exemplified an honoring spirit in the most remarkable ways. He reached out to those whom society had cast aside—the poor, the sick, the tax collectors, and the sinners. He saw beyond their circumstances and into their worth as children of God. 

Consider the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). While others sought to condemn her, Jesus honored her humanity. He spoke words of grace and forgiveness, affirming her worth and offering her a new path. Similarly, when He healed the lepers, dined with tax collectors, and showed compassion to the outcasts, Jesus demonstrated that an honoring spirit knows no boundaries. 

By following His example, we can make a choice to honor those around us. This is especially true for those who may feel unseen or unworthy. 

Reflecting God's Love Through Service 

Serving with an honoring spirit is a profound way to reflect God's love to the world. It requires humility, as we place the needs and dignity of others above our own desires. It also requires a heart attuned to the Holy Spirit, guiding us to see people through God's eyes. 

When we serve others with honor, we create an environment of mutual respect and care. This goes beyond just being kind. It reflects the Kingdom of God—a place where everyone feels valued and respected. Imagine the impact we could have if we made honoring others a daily practice. We could turn ordinary moments into opportunities to uplift and affirm the people in our lives. 

The Call to Honor 

An honoring spirit is not reserved for grand acts or extraordinary circumstances. It grows in the small, everyday choices we make. We choose to listen attentively, offer a kind word, show patience, and extend forgiveness. 

As we strive to live out Romans 12:10, let us be devoted to one another in love. We should honor others above ourselves. In doing so, we unlock the true heart of servanthood and reflect the boundless love of our Savior. 

May we be people who honor as Jesus honored, serving others with respect, reverence, and unwavering love. When we lift others up, we embody the essence of God's grace. We create a world where His love shines brightly.