Imagine a church where people are genuinely passionate about honoring one another and coming up with creative and deliberate ways to do so. In such a community, there would be far less drama on Sundays, fewer passive-aggressive posts on social media, and reduced gossip within small groups. It’s difficult to speak negatively about someone when you’re focused on honoring them. Despite this, the concept of Biblical honor often feels unfamiliar in many church settings today.

 

Honor involves showing someone a great deal of value and respect. Simply put, it’s acknowledging the image of God in each person and taking the time to let them know, “I see you. I recognize you. I honor you!”

 

In various instances, examples of honor, or the lack thereof, can be seen throughout the Bible. For example, in Mark 6:1-6, the people failed to honor Jesus in His hometown, thus missing out on experiencing His miraculous power. In 1 Samuel 2:27-36, we see how a lack of honor cost Eli’s sons their lives. In the original listing of the Ten Commandments, Moses wrote: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). Additionally, after Jesus was born, at least three wise men came with precious gifts to honor the King (Matt. 2:1-15). And when Epaphroditus, the first short-term missionary in the New Testament returned to Philippi, Paul urged the church to “honor such men.” (Philippians 2:29)