What is Biblical Honour – people we must honour (Continued)

What is biblical honour bible passages: 1 Samuel 2:30, Malachi 1:6, Romans 13:7.

1 Samuel 2:30
“…for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.”

Malachi 1:6
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am the Father, where is My honor?”

Romans 13:7
“Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.”

Introduction Of What is Biblical Honour?

Biblical honour is about giving esteem, value, and respect to others based on relationship and position. The Bible teaches that we are to honour those placed in authority over us, as well as those with whom we share meaningful relationships—such as spiritual leaders, parents, spouses, and fellow believers.

When we honour rightly, we unlock both spiritual and physical blessings. Honour is not based on personal preferences or mutual agreement; it is rooted in God’s design for order and relationship.

Honour Toward Spiritual Leaders

1 Timothy 5:17

"Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine."

Spiritual leaders have been appointed by God as shepherds over our souls. They are not hirelings but caretakers of God’s people. Therefore, we owe them:

• Reverence and respect for their office
• Support and love for the work they do
• Obedience to their counsel, even when it’s uncomfortable

Just like we trust a doctor’s bitter prescription for healing, we must heed the godly reproof and rebuke from our spiritual authorities.

For example, Hebrews 13:17 says we should obey our leaders and submit to their authority because they watch over our souls. That’s a serious calling, and honoring them isn’t just about words—it’s shown in how we support, encourage, and respect them.

Whether it’s a pastor, mentor, or ministry leader, giving reverence and honour means valuing their time, praying for them, and listening with an open heart. It’s not about blind loyalty, but about recognizing the God-given responsibility they carry and responding with respect and gratitude.

Example of Honour Rewarded: 2 Kings 4:9-11

The Shunammite woman’s hospitality and honour toward the prophet Elisha resulted in a miraculous blessing: the birth of a long-desired son. This shows that honour brings supernatural rewards.

Honour for Parents

Exodus 20:12

"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land."

Deuteronomy 5:16

"…that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you…"

Honouring parents is the first commandment with a promise. It is a foundational principle for a strong, blessed family and society. Honour for parents includes:

• Loving them genuinely
• Speaking well of them and using polite speech
• Providing for their needs

Proverbs 20:20
"Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in deep darkness."

A Word of Caution:

Even if parents make mistakes or appear flawed, dishonouring them invites a curse, while honoring them brings goodness and long life.

Honoring Parents Beyond Childhood

Honoring our parents isn’t just a childhood rule—it’s a lifelong principle that shapes character and faith. They are among the people in our lives that we are expected to honour, not just because of age, but because of the legacy they represent.

This matters because how we treat those who raised us reflects our values and our understanding of respect. It’s more than obedience; it’s about building a relationship and a lifestyle that shows love, patience, and gratitude.

For example, calling your mom regularly, helping your dad with errands, or simply listening with care are ways adults can still honor their parents. It’s not always convenient, but it’s always meaningful. Honor isn’t a duty—it’s a reflection of who we’re becoming.

Honour Within Marriage

1 Peter 3:7

"Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife… that your prayers may not be hindered."

1 Peter 3:1

"Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands… that they may be won by the conduct of their wives."

Honour in marriage is mutual and essential:

For Husbands:

• Protect and provide for your wife
• Lead with love and humility
• Honour her as a fellow heir of grace

Failing to honour your wife hinders your prayers. God hears the cries of the dishonoured wife even when the husband remains spiritually active.

For Wives:

• Submit with respect and grace
• Influence your husband through godly conduct, not manipulation

When both spouses live in mutual honour, their home becomes a channel of divine favor.

Honour Among Believers

Romans 12:10

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another."

Honour must also be shown within the Christian community. We are called to prefer others before ourselves. This means:

• Desiring others’ well-being – 1 Timothy 2:1
• Rejoicing in others’ successes – Romans 12:15
• Forgiving one another – Matthew 6:14-15
• Helping those in need – 1 John 3:17

This lifestyle of honour builds unity, love, and spiritual growth within the body of Christ.

Why Biblical Honour Matters

1. It’s a Command

John 13:34
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another…"

Honour is an expression of true love and obedience to God’s Word.

2. It Reflects True Religion

James 1:27
"Pure and undefiled religion before God… is this: to visit orphans and widows… and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

True Christianity is not just belief, but action rooted in respect and love.

3. It Brings Order and Increase

Honour creates structure and divine order. When we honour correctly:

• Relationships flourish
• Communities grow
• God releases progress and increase

Where there is no honour, disorder and stagnation reign.

Final Thoughts: Living a Life of Honour

In a culture that often celebrates rebellion, biblical honour remains countercultural yet powerful. So, to walk in God’s blessings, we must commit to honouring the follwoing:

• God first, with our hearts, minds, and actions
• Spiritual leaders, with obedience and gratitude
• Parents, with love, respect, and support
• Spouses, with humility and shared grace
• Fellow believers, with compassion and selflessness

Let your life be marked by honour, and you will reap the spiritual, emotional, and practical rewards that God has promised in His word.