Yesterday, we talked about how feeling and forgiving are keys to walking in God’s easy rhythms of grace. Today, I want to talk about the second thing you can do to let go of offense in your daily life: make respect your default. No matter where you go, show respect to people. They may ultimately lose your admiration, but whenever you meet somebody for the first time, be respectful to them; they deserve it!

I remember once when I was in high school and my sister was getting ready in the bathroom, like a brother, I popped my head in the door and burped; kind of like a drive-by belch. Then I felt really bad about it. Because I had just come to faith, I was feeling convicted, so I stuck my head in the door again and I said, “Angie, I’m sorry. The Bible says love is not rude and that was really rude,” and then I went and gave her a hug. Later on she told me that that’s when she knew my life was changing because of the gospel.

Friend, there is power in respecting people that speaks to the transformative work of Jesus Christ in your life, and there is maturity in recognizing the dignity of your neighbor. As you take the high road in all of your encounters, you will be set apart from the world around you and others will certainly notice!