MCB CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Proverbs 3:27-28 - Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. If you have the power to do good, do it as unto the Lord. If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you."
We all are responsible to honor others. We take time during Memorial Week to honor those who have died in battle for our country. We honor the families of the fallen to remind them they are not forgotten. It is important to remember that we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. When we honor them, we give thanks for their sacrifice, which has benefitted us and has lasting effect beyond us.
We also honor those who are living around us every day. “Give honor to whom honor is due.” We don’t just give honor to those higher ranking than us. We also help others see their value and purpose when we encourage them or help them. We bless others by speaking worth into their lives and telling them they are more than the hand they have been dealt.
However, our duty is also to do good when it is within our power to do good. We always have the ability to offer honoring or good words and actions to bless others. We are expected to help our neighbor, friend, or battle buddy when we are able to do so. Procrastination or neglecting our duty to care for others is wrong. Discouraging a fellow brother or sister is dishonoring. God expects us to lift one another up and proclaim their God-given value. Love is a language of value and importance. When we love as God loves us, we honor those who receive our love.
We are expected to receive or give honor to ourselves, otherwise we lack the ability to give it to others. If we don’t think we have value, it is very hard for us to give what we do not possess. When we have been injured, mistreated, or abused, we need to take the time to heal from those dishonoring experiences. Healing honors our body and allows it to mend. Our minds also need time to heal from trauma and stress. Intentional recovery speaks honor to our psyche or soul. Love your mind, love your soul.
We also can bless God and honor the divine. When we take time to give thanks for all that God has given us, we honor God’s creation. When we attend spiritual faith services or studies, we show our love for the divine. When we meet with others in fellowship around our belief system, we honor those we gather with. We love others as we have been loved by God.
Give honor to those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do so.
The Chaplain’s Corner covers everything faith related. Facts not attributed are purely the opinion of the writer.