Honor—It's a Big Concept!

October 18, 2021

Marriage should be honored by all. Hebrews 13:4 NIV

Honoring is not a concept that is clearly understood or followed with much consistency in our culture. When asked to talk about honor, most people make references to soldiers serving well, respecting a nation’s flag, or children respecting and obeying their parents. All of those are connected to honor, but the concept is far bigger. According to the dictionary, to honor something or someone is to hold in high esteem or respect. But it is more than a state of mind, it involves action. Further study of the word shows that it means character and belief that manifests itself as a code of conduct, and has character qualities such as chivalry, honesty, compassion, respect, integrity, fairness, and credibility.

According to the Bible, marriage is to be honored by ALL. How does that practically take shape?

  • We are to honor marriage by not making rude jokes or inappropriate comments about marriage in general. For instance, a wife is not a “ball and chain.”
  • We honor marriage by uplifting it and speaking with value and gratitude for God’s gift.
  • We honor marriage by refusing to create walls, distractions, or mistrust between partners. We cannot critique another person’s spouse and offer reasons to be dissatisfied.
  • Married people are to honor their own marriage in thoughts, words, and action, whether or not their spouse is present. They honor marriage by not having conversations they would not have in the presence of their spouse, particularly with a member of the opposite sex.
  • Single people honor marriage by protecting their potential future marriage by staying pure and faithful in their relationships.

What additional ways can you think of to honor marriage? What do you do to make certain that you respect and show honor to marriage generally? What do you do specifically within your own relationship if you are married? How do you think you could improve?

If you are married or in a serious relationship, find time this week to have a conversation with your partner about this issue. Ask, “How do you think I do in honoring marriage/our relationship? Please rate me on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most desirable.” If they give you a high rating, ask for examples that illustrate what matters to them. If they rate you low, ask them for suggestions that would move you closer to a 10. Then listen and act.

  • Jesus, help me be humble enough to find out how I am doing, and then correct what is wrong in the way I am communicating honor or lack of it. Amen.