Mutual respect and kindness in relationships equal in God’s eyes

Pastor: Patricia Sands

Sermon Title: “Mutual Respect and Kindness in Relationships: Equal in God’s Eyes”

Opening:

• “Brothers and sisters, we gather today to reflect on one of the most important aspects of our lives—our relationships. Whether you are in a dating relationship, engaged, or married, the foundation of any lasting relationship is kindness, mutual respect, and understanding. As believers in Christ, we are called to reflect His love through how we treat those closest to us.”

1. Kindness in Relationships:

• Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Kindness is the cornerstone of a relationship that honors God. In our relationships, we should strive to reflect the love and forgiveness that Christ extends to us. In every word, every action, we must remember that our relationships are opportunities to mirror God’s grace to others.

• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Love is a commitment to kindness, even in difficult times. True love is not self-serving or prideful, but always looks out for the well-being of the other person. This kind of love requires patience, humility, and a willingness to sacrifice for one another.

2. Equality in God’s Eyes:

• Galatians 3:28

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

This scripture teaches us that in God’s eyes, we are all equal. In our relationships, we must see each other as partners, not as someone superior or inferior. Both partners are equally valued in Christ, with unique gifts and roles, but equal in love and importance.

• Ephesians 5:21-25

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord… Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

Mutual submission is key in any relationship. It is not about hierarchy or dominance, but about loving each other in the way that Christ loves us. Men are called to love their wives sacrificially, and women are called to respect their husbands. This passage reflects the beauty of equality: both partners giving, both partners receiving in love and respect.

3. Trust and Communication:

• Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Trust is vital in any relationship. It is the foundation that allows both partners to be vulnerable, to communicate openly, and to build a deeper connection. Trust in God first, and He will guide your relationships toward unity and understanding. Without trust, there can be no true partnership.

• James 1:19

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Effective communication involves listening more than speaking, understanding the other person’s point of view, and being patient. When we truly listen to one another, we foster an environment of respect and empathy, which is essential in any relationship.

4. Treating Each Other with Financial Respect:

• Proverbs 22:2

“The rich and the poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.”

This verse reminds us that no matter our financial status, we are all created by God. There should be no sense of superiority or inferiority based on income or wealth. In relationships, especially if one partner makes more money than the other, it’s crucial to honor each other equally, without looking down on one another based on financial status.

• James 2:1-4

“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there,’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”

When it comes to finances, we must treat each other with equality and respect. The Bible warns us against showing favoritism or treating people differently based on wealth. Whether in a relationship or in our interactions with others, financial status should never be used as a measure of worth or superiority.

• 1 Timothy 6:17-19

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”

Wealth is fleeting and should not be a basis for pride or arrogance. If one partner earns more, it’s essential to approach the relationship with humility, recognizing that all financial blessings come from God and should be used for His glory and the good of both partners.

5. Mutual Respect in Marriage and Relationships:

• 1 Peter 3:7

“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”

Respect is the key to any healthy relationship. Husbands are called to show honor and care for their wives, recognizing that they are co-heirs in Christ. Mutual respect ensures that both partners feel valued and cherished.

• Philippians 2:3-4

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

True love in a relationship puts the needs of the other person first. Whether in marriage or a romantic partnership, this humility fosters a partnership where both individuals grow and thrive in love and service to one another.

6. The Role of Love in Building Healthy Relationships:

• Colossians 3:14

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Love is the ultimate bond that unites us. When we put on love, we are able to cultivate an environment where all other virtues—kindness, patience, humility, and respect—thrive. Love binds us together, creating unity, peace, and harmony in our relationships.

• 1 John 4:7-8

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Love is not just an action but a reflection of who God is. As we love one another, we reflect God’s nature in our relationships. True love builds, nurtures, and strengthens relationships, making them a powerful testimony to the world of God’s love.

Closing Prayer:

“Heavenly Father, we come before You today with thankful hearts, grateful for the relationships You have placed in our lives. Lord, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom in all of our relationships, whether romantic, familial, or friendships. Help us to treat each other with kindness, respect, and love, recognizing that in Your eyes, we are all equal. Teach us to honor You through our actions, our words, and our decisions. Help us to see each other with the same love and humility that You have shown us. May we always reflect Your grace in every relationship we have. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Final Thought:

“Brothers and sisters, let us leave today with hearts full of love and respect for one another. Whether in wealth or poverty, in good times or bad, let us honor each other as equals, recognizing that we are all created in God’s image and that His love is the foundation of every healthy relationship. May we always strive to reflect that love and kindness in all that we do.”