HONOR

Honor in the Bible means to esteem, value, or respect highly. It is a recognition of someone’s worth and position, not just in words but also in attitude and action.

Who Are We Called to Honor?

  • God:
    God is to be honored above all. Honoring Him includes worship, obedience, reverence, and living a life that reflects His holiness.
    “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.” — Proverbs 3:9 (NLT)

  • Parents:
    This is one of the Ten Commandments and carries a promise.
    “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” — Exodus 20:12 (NLT)

  • Others in Authority:
    God calls us to honor leaders and those in positions of responsibility.
    “Give to everyone what you owe them... respect and honor to those who are in authority.” — Romans 13:7 (NLT)

  • Each Other:
    All people are made in God's image and are worthy of dignity and honor.
    “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” — Romans 12:10 (NLT)

Jesus Modeled Honor

Jesus honored the Father in all things (John 8:49), honored His mother (John 2:1–11), and even honored sinners by seeing their potential and calling them to transformation.

Honor vs. Flattery or Manipulation

Honor comes from a place of sincerity and truth, while flattery seeks to manipulate. God honors those who walk in truth, humility, and integrity—not those who seek self-glory.

God's Reward for Honor

God takes honor seriously and blesses those who honor Him and others.
“I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me.” — 1 Samuel 2:30 (NLT)

God’s Heart on Honor

God deeply values honor because it reflects the reverence and humility He desires in our relationship with Him and with others. Honor in Scripture isn't just about respecting authority—it’s a heart posture that exalts what God exalts and esteems His design for life, leadership, and love.

Honor Begins with God

  • Proverbs 3:9 (NLT) – “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.”
    → God wants us to honor Him first—above ourselves, our possessions, or any worldly status.

Honor Is the Language of Heaven

  • Revelation 5:13 (NLT) – “...Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne...”
    → In eternity, honor will be part of our worship forever.

God Honors Those Who Honor Him

  • 1 Samuel 2:30 (NLT) – “...I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me.”
    → God doesn’t take honor lightly. When we live to glorify Him, He lifts us up in due time.

Honor Others as Image Bearers

  • Romans 12:10 (NLT) – “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
    → Honoring others is a way to love like Jesus—valuing people as God sees them.

Jesus Modeled Ultimate Honor

  • He honored the Father in all He did (John 8:49), honored the outcasts of society, and submitted even to death on the cross out of honor for God's will (Philippians 2:8–9).

God’s Heartbeat:

Honor is a spiritual principle that unlocks favor, peace, and clarity. It silences the noise of pride, rebellion, and division, allowing God's order and blessing to reign. When we walk in honor, we align with heaven’s culture and reflect Christ to the world.

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