Honor

What does honor mean to you? How would you define honoring another?

Here are a few definitions:

• honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions:
• a person of honor
• a source of credit or distinction
• held in high respect: to be held in honor
• such respect made apparent, evidenced
• high public esteem
• the privilege of being associated with or receiving a favor from a respected person, group, organization
• honor made evident, in a special ceremony, decoration, scroll, or title, of high rank, dignity, or distinction,

I was taken aback when I came across this quote this week.  In my mind, I replaced "wives" with "others"

“Honor isn’t passive; it’s active. We honor our wives by demonstrating our esteem and respect: complimenting them in public; affirming their gifts, abilities, and accomplishments; and declaring our appreciation for all they do. Honor not expressed is not honor.” Gary Ricucci

As someone whose top love language is spoken words of encouragement, some of my deepest scars are words that were spoken carelessly about me in public situations by people I love.

Consequently, as someone whose love language is words, if I am hurt, I am at risk of using my words carelessly to hurt back.

Some of the moments I cling to that revive my soul are encouraging affirming words others have spoken. When they have loved me enough to proclaim appreciation over me either in public or in private, it has blessed me deeply.

Over the years, God has taken me to task on the way I use my words. As I raise a child who is like me in this way, I have become more aware.

God has a lot to say about how we use our words. One of the most cutting scriptures for me is James 3. Verse 6 stings, oh how it cuts! "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

Ouch!

I am horrified to admit that I have spoken words that have resulted in such destruction. Thank the Lord and others for forgiveness and fresh starts. Yes, plural.

I do not want my words to wield such terrible hurt.

It is important that I speak publicly about others strengths, my husbands, my children, family, friends, my ministry partners.

Everyone!

Seriously. Let's be honest; everyone needs words of honor spoken over them. I want to be known as someone who speaks life into the souls of others. I want to be a cheerleader for others.

I want to build up rather than tear down.

God wants this too. Through Paul he charges me to Romans 12:10 be devoted to others in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

To do this, I need to be secure. My worth and identity in Christ need to be my foundation.

Unshakable.

It is from my security in Christ that I can look past myself to acknowledge the strengths and gifts of others. It frees me from needing to boost my ego through bragging to look at what is brag-worthy in others. When who I am is grounded in the certainty of God's love for me and the value he places on me, my words are freed up to focus on others and celebrate their uniqueness.

I choose to honor. I choose to declare over others their accomplishments and abilities. I choose to use the power of my voice to bring life and affirmation to others. I want to be your cheerleader!! Out loud, actively, in public and one on one!