Honour
Pastoral Messages by Matriarch Elnette Edwards
My precious family,
There's a principle in Scripture that we don't talk about enough—honour. To honour someone means to give weight to their position, to show respect for their role, to recognize their value. God commands us to honour our parents, honour authority, honour one another, and ultimately honour Him. This isn't optional—it's essential to healthy relationships and spiritual maturity.
I learned about honour from my grandmother who, despite living through segregation and injustice, taught me to respect everyone—regardless of their race, class, or position. "Elnette," she'd say, "how you treat people reflects on your God. Honour doesn't mean you agree with everyone or that you accept mistreatment. It means you recognize the image of God in every person and treat them accordingly."
Honour starts in the heart. It's an attitude of respect that manifests in our words, actions, and responses. When we honour someone, we speak well of them, especially when they're not present. We don't gossip about them, undermine their authority, or show disrespect through our attitude or body language.
I've watched churches and families fall apart because honour was absent. Children who dishonour their parents reap consequences for years. Church members who dishonour their leaders create division and block blessing. Employees who dishonour their bosses sabotage their own advancement. The principle is clear: honour releases blessing; dishonour invites trouble.
But honour must be balanced with truth. Honouring someone doesn't mean enabling abuse or overlooking sin. We can honour someone's position while disagreeing with their decisions. We can honour someone's role while maintaining healthy boundaries. Honour and accountability aren't opposites—they work together.
One of the most challenging aspects of honour is honouring those we disagree with or who have hurt us. But God calls us to this higher standard. We can honour the office even when we question the officeholder. We can honour someone's humanity even when we disapprove of their choices. This kind of honour reveals spiritual maturity.
I've also learned that honour is a two-way street. Leaders must honour those they lead by listening, valuing their input, and caring for their wellbeing. Parents must honour their children by treating them with respect and dignity. Spouses must honour each other through faithfulness and consideration. Honour creates a culture of mutual respect that strengthens every relationship.
The Bible promises that when we honour God, He honours us. When we honour our parents, we're promised long life. When we honour one another, we demonstrate love. Honour opens doors that nothing else can open because it aligns us with God's kingdom principles.
Examine your heart today. Who have you dishonoured through your words, attitude, or actions? Where do you need to restore honour? Start today—speak well of others, show respect, give weight to what God values. As you sow honour, you'll reap blessing not just for yourself but for everyone around you.
Honouring Him and you,
Matriarch Elnette Edwards
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