The Bible cautions against respect of persons, yet instructs us to show proper respect for leaders, the elderly, and others. In previous generations, deference was freely given, with men and boys offering seats to women, the elderly, or disabled, and strangers addressed as Sir, Ma'am, Mister, or Miss. Today, such respect for life and property has diminished, with children rarely addressing adults with courtesy, and even public figures receiving informal or derogatory references. Scripture emphasizes honoring the elderly and giving deference to those in authority, not based on personal merit, but due to their position or description. Insolence toward those deserving respect is a warning of impending social troubles. Respect for God, the Giver of all authority, underlies the deference shown to God-given offices, though formality is not always required, as seen within family dynamics. In the church, formal titles like Mr. and Mrs. may create stilted relationships and risk elitism, despite sincere efforts to avoid disrespect. Respect for God and Jesus Christ is not diminished by intimate terms like Father or Abba, nor by addressing Jesus by His first name, as true respect stems from affection and submission based on Their character and actions. While formal respect through titles may seem forced or hollow, we are obligated by God to give respect, though within the church, insisting on formal titles is unnecessary. Sincere, heartfelt respect should be given to those in office for their work's sake, earned through love for one another.

A humble attitude is necessary to show courtesy to others. The Greek word philophron, translating directly to courtesy, suggests understanding a friend and embodies the idea of kindness and friendliness. In I Peter 3:8, the call is to be of one mind, having compassion, loving as family, being pitiful, and being courteous. A humble and God-fearing person will naturally exhibit courtesy, esteeming others greater than themselves and striving to live in accordance with God's laws.

Honor is a profound inner attitude of reverence and respect, not merely an outward action. It entails acknowledging and showing respect for the authority or worthiness of a person through both inward emotions of reverence and outward manifestations like gestures or actions. Honor is due based on relationships and authority, and no greater honor is owed to any human being than to our physical parents. Without true honor, our lives will not prosper, and we will not live long in the land or be at peace until we genuinely honor our parents and others in similar relationships. Honor elevates the person who is honored and is bestowed by God Himself, who determines true honor. It encompasses both external aspects like rank or public respect and internal qualities such as nobility and integrity of character. The principle of honor is significant and central to a life aligned with God's way, promising blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. God views dishonoring parents as a grave offense, equating it with severe abominations, and warns of judgment for such actions. Respect and honor must be cultivated within the family. Fathers set the tone for respect in the household, and both parents must model honor toward each other to teach their children. Honor breeds honor, respect breeds respect, and tenderness breeds tenderness, while dishonor and disrespect breed the same in return. Children are to communicate with the language of honor, and parents must also respect their children as image bearers of the Almighty God. Even in difficult situations with perverse authority, honor must be maintained unless it conflicts with God's law. Humility is essential to properly honoring both spiritual and physical parents. True honor involves loving and serving others, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, who showed the honor of service and humility. Ultimately, God alone possesses honor and determines who shall be honored, commanding us to honor our fathers and mothers so that our days may be long and it may be well with us for eternity.