Last updated on February 9th, 2020
I have a dream. One day the vast majority of people will treat others with the respect and dignity they deserve. Would you like to be a part of this? The next step forward in this dream is when you reflect on the events of the past two weeks and do your part respecting people.
Respecting People’s Religious Rights
President Donald Trump recognized Religious Freedom Week last week by reminding the federal government to respect their religious rights. The Department of Education sent guidelines to states and school administrators reminding them to respect the first amendment rights of students and faculty. This includes the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion.
How could you do more to respect people’s religious rights? You could start by not avoiding the topic in discussions. Be curious about other’s religious beliefs and listen respectfully. If asked about your religious beliefs, follow the advice in 1 Peter 3:15.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
You can also subscribe to email alerts from organizations that work to protect religious freedom like the Virginia Family Foundation and the ACLJ. Then contact your government representatives to urge them to do the right thing.
MLK and Respecting People’s Race
On Monday our nation remembered Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. He had a dream that one day the law would treat all people equal regardless of the color of their skin. As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he encouraged everyone to treat others with respect. The Holy Bible declares that God created all people in His image. Christians and Jews therefore should treat people with respect.
How can you help respect race? We are all part of the human race. Remembering this should help you avoid or minimize bigotry and prejudice. You can participate in service projects that intentionally mix people of different cultures. Remember the Golden Rule, ” Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) You can ask people about what they appreciate from their culture or heritage and listen respectfully. Join Dr. Alveda King in honoring her uncle’s legacy.
Respecting Life
On Friday, the March for Life encouraged millions of people to restore the respect for the unborn. The U.S. Declaration of Independence states that we are all created equal. The first right mentioned is the right to life. The Supreme Court denied this right to the pre-born since the 1972 Roe v Wade decision. This resulted in about 62 million deaths by abortion in the USA. I believe one day, the courts will reverse this decision and mothers will treat children in the womb as gifts from God.
How can you help respect life? You can volunteer or donate to Pro-Life charities. Please urge your representatives to pass laws that better protect women and children. You can offer compassion to women considering abortion and those that had one.
For more information on respecting people and the right to life, see my Pro-Life page.
Jesus respected the right to choose so much, that he gave His life and resurrected on the third day so that everyone would have the choice to choose life and not death. For more information see my page on Christianity.
