Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. 1 Peter 2:17 (NLT)
It’s often easier to honour a stranger than a loved one. Familiarity sets in and we begin to take our loved ones and their admirable qualities for granted. When it comes to those we’re close to, we see everything—the good, the bad and the ugly—and we have to choose which of the three we will focus on.
If we choose to look past the positive and zone in on the negative, it won’t be long before we lose all respect for those we love.
It’s really all about focus. We all have faults and flaws, but families need to choose to see the best in each other. Without that respect—and showing that respect—the relationship deteriorates and love becomes difficult. On the other hand, love flourishes when there is respect in a relationship.
This Christmas, don’t let familiarity blur your vision and prevent you from showing how much you love and respect your loved ones. Show them what you admire about them and you’ll be amazed at the love you receive in return.
Create an atmosphere of love and respect and strengthen your relationships by honouring those around you. You’ll discover that it’s not the parties, presents or food that makes Christmas a special time of year. It is relationships that bring sparkle to your holidays.