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What does the Bible say about respecting others?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that believers should honor and serve others with humble, Christlike love, recognizing every person as made in God’s image. Romans 12:10 calls Christians to outdo one another in showing honor, while Philippians 2:3-4 forbids selfish ambition and directs us to consider others’ interests. Jesus deepens this command in Matthew 5:43-48 and Luke 6:30-36, calling His people to love even enemies and to reflect the mercy of their heavenly Father. Romans 13:7 and 1 Peter 2:17 teach proper honor toward governing authorities and all people. Respect also belongs in the home, where children are to honor and obey parents, as Ephesians 6:1-4 and Colossians 3:20 teach.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Romans 12:10

    In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;

  • Matthew 5:43-48

    [43] "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' [44] But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? [47] If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? [48] Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

  • Philippians 2:3-4

    [3] doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; [4] each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

  • Matthew 7:12

    Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.

  • Romans 13:7

    Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.

  • 1 Peter 2:17

    Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

  • Luke 6:30-36

    [30] Give to everyone who asks you, and don't ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again. [31] "As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. [32] If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. [33] If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. [34] If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. [35] But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. [36] Therefore be merciful, Even as your Father is also merciful.

  • Ephesians 6:1-4

    [1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth." [4] You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

  • Proverbs 1:8

    My son, listen to your father's instruction, And don't forsake your mother's teaching:

  • Colossians 3:20

    Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.

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