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38
The War Cry | FEBRUARY 2016
Dear Don't:
Just as there are many different uses
of the word "love" today (as in, "I
LOVE
fried chicken" and "I
LOVE
my wife"),
the same goes for the concept of re-
spect.
In general, respect is a very impor-
tant aspect of daily life. The most basic
type of respect is that which is due to
all people because they are human be-
ings created in the image of God Him-
self. As such, people are worthy of at-
tention and consideration.
Today, some people often confuse
two other types of respect:
respect of
authority,
based on a position the per-
son holds or a role in which they serve,
and
respect of honor,
based on a histo-
ry of demonstrating love, skill, responsi-
bility or other positive qualities.
The difference between these types of
respect can be summarized as "getting"
versus "giving" our attention or respect.
Under respect of authority, the person
"gets," or captures our attention due to
their position or role. Respect is given as
an acknowledgement of their authority
(e.g., policeman, judge, supervisor), or ac-
knowledgement of their position in an in-
stitution (e.g., manager, pastor). Regard is
given to them regardless of our relation-
ship with them or whether we think they
have earned their position or are doing a
good job. It is an objective respect, an im-
personal response to the person.
With respect of honor, we "give" our
attention. We judge that the person has
earned our regard and consideration,
because of our experience with them.
We recognize their greatness in certain
areas and defer to them in
those areas. This can be a
spouse, a trusted friend,
skilled business leader or a
spiritual leader. It is a subjec-
tive respect, and involves a
great deal of trust.
The use of titles is an ap-
propriate way to demon-
strate respect, especially for
persons in roles or positions
of authority. Even though
people are more casual and
informal today, there is still a
place for the use of titles.
It is a matter of respect, but not that
the other has to earn. It is one that you
graciously give because you are a polite,
considerate, respectful member of soci-
ety.
Dear Hanging:
I'm sorry to hear about the current
state of your marriage, and do hope
that the two of you can work things
out. You must begin with the only one
whose actions you have any control
over: yourself.
Make your marriage a matter of sin-
cere, regular, fervent prayer. In addition,
focus on your relationship with God. Is
it what it should be? Time spent talking
to Him, looking for His guidance in the
Bible and seeking private counsel with
a Christian you respect can assist you
to strengthen your personal walk with
Christ. In the process, areas of your life
that need attention may become ap-
parent to you. Regardless of the impact
on your marriage, deepening your
bond with Christ will be an invaluable
experience.
Secondly, if your marriage can be
saved, it will take time, energy and
much work. Make the commitment to
give it your all. Then, make a plan to do
so. Consider some of the following
ideas:
1.
Arrange a special meeting to hear
your wife out.
Plan to have this away
from the home, perhaps over dessert
and coffee, and at a quiet place that al-
lows for ease of conversation. Tell your
wife you want to give her your full at-
tention and hear what she has to say.
2.
Do some research.
You are not
the first couple this has happened to.
Find a helpful book on this subject.
3.
Research Christian marriage coun-
selors,
and ask your wife if she would
consider going with you to one.
Whether she does or not, go and share
your concerns with the counselor.
4.
Choose to continue loving your
wife,
and be a godly husband to her.
While we believe that God specializ-
es in healing broken people and broken
relationships, He doesn't do so against
our will. The heart must be open and
willing for God to heal. Continue doing
your part to be open to any changes
or directions God reveals. And pray for
your wife, that she will do so as well.
Dear Aunt Sally:
I find the use of titles strange.
I believe respect is earned and a
title will not make me respect an
individual any more. Is there any
information to clarify the use of
impersonal titles?
--Don't Call Me "Mr."
AUNT SALLY is happy to provide free personal advice and opinions on a variety of subjects.
Need help with relationship problems, spiritual questions, parenting situations?
Ask Aunt Sally!
Send your questions or comments to Aunt Sally via email at [email protected] or by
regular mail at Ask Aunt Sally, Salvation Army Publications, 615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22313.
Questions appropriate for printing in the War Cry will be answered through this column.
Dear Aunt Sally:
How do I go about bringing
God back into my marriage to
save it from divorce? My wife
wants out, but I have yet to throw
in the towel. We have two tod-
dlers, but she says she doesn't
love me anymore.
--Hanging by a Thread
Doctor
Admiral
Chief
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