People who command respect wherever they go usually live by these 9 biblical teachings

There’s a certain type of person who simply commands respect wherever they go.

You know the type – they walk into a room and instantly, the atmosphere changes.

These individuals tend to live by certain principles, many of which stem from biblical teachings.

These aren’t fire-and-brimstone, preachy types.

Rather, they subtly apply these age-old lessons in their daily actions.

In this piece, we’ll explore nine key biblical teachings that people who command respect often live by.

And no, you don’t have to be religious to adopt these principles.

You just need to be open to timeless wisdom that has shaped leaders and influencers for centuries.

1) Love your neighbor as yourself

The ability to command respect often begins with one’s treatment of others.

Those who are universally respected usually live by the principle of “loving your neighbor as yourself”.

This biblical teaching, found in the book of Leviticus and reiterated in the Gospels, forms the foundation of their interactions.

This principle is about more than just being nice.

It’s about demonstrating genuine concern for others’ well-being, understanding their perspectives, and treating them with the same dignity and respect you’d want for yourself.

When you live by this rule, you’ll naturally foster a sense of trust and respect among those around you.

People will see your consistent kindness, fairness, and empathy, and respond accordingly.

Importantly, living by this teaching doesn’t mean being a pushover.

It requires a balance – standing up for oneself and others when necessary, but doing so with compassion and consideration.

So if you’re seeking to command respect wherever you go, start with this principle – treat others how you would want to be treated.

2) Do not judge, or you too will be judged

I’ve personally learned a lot from the biblical teaching of not being judgmental.

This principle, found in the book of Matthew, has truly shaped my interactions and relationships.

I remember a time in college when a new student joined our class.

He was different – quiet, kept to himself, and had an unconventional style.

Many of my classmates were quick to label him as ‘weird’ or ‘antisocial’.

But recalling this teaching, I decided not to judge him based on superficial observations.

Instead, I approached him, started conversations, and got to know him.

It turned out he was incredibly talented and had fascinating insights to share.

Over time, others began to see past their initial judgments as well.

Not only did he become a valued member of our class, but he also taught us all a valuable lesson about the dangers of quick judgments.

Living by this teaching has earned me the respect of others.

By not judging and instead choosing understanding and open-mindedness, I’ve been able to build deeper and more meaningful relationships.

3) Let your yes be yes, and your no, no

The biblical teaching “let your yes be yes, and your no, no” from the book of Matthew emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity.

This principle highlights the power of clear communication and keeping your word.

In a world filled with ambiguity and half-truths, those who communicate clearly and honestly stand out.

They command respect because people know where they stand with them and can rely on their word.

People who are considered trustworthy activate the brain’s reward centers.

This means that our brains are literally wired to respond positively to those who keep their promises.

So, if you want to command respect wherever you go, let your words be as clear as crystal and your actions consistent with them.

Be someone who can be relied upon, someone whose “yes” truly means yes, and whose “no” is unequivocal.

4) Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Another significant biblical teaching that respected individuals live by is the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

This principle, found in the book of Luke, encourages us to consider our actions from the other person’s perspective.

This is all about empathy, understanding, and reciprocity.

It involves considering how you would feel in another person’s situation and treating that person accordingly.

Imagine a world where everyone followed this rule.

It would be a place filled with kindness, understanding, and respect.

But it starts with us.

By treating others how we’d like to be treated, we set a standard of respect that others are likely to reciprocate.

Living by this principle creates an environment of mutual respect.

And those who genuinely practice it are often met with admiration and respect wherever they go.

5) Forgive as the Lord forgave you

The principle of forgiveness, as taught in the book of Colossians, is a powerful one.

“Forgive as the Lord forgave you” encourages us to let go of resentments and grudges, and instead, open our hearts to forgiveness.

This doesn’t mean that we must forget wrongdoings or allow ourselves to be mistreated.

It means that we free ourselves from the burden of resentment and bitterness, which only harms us more than the ones who wronged us.

Those who command respect are often those who can forgive.

They understand that everyone makes mistakes and that holding onto anger is a burden they choose not to bear.

By showing the strength to forgive, you demonstrate a level of maturity and emotional intelligence that commands respect.

After all, it takes a strong person to forgive and move forward with wisdom and grace.

6) Love is patient, love is kind

We often hear the phrase “love is patient, love is kind”, drawn from the book of Corinthians, during wedding ceremonies.

But this teaching applies to so much more than just romantic relationships.

This principle serves as a beautiful guide on how to treat others with kindness, patience, and understanding.

It reminds us that true love – whether it’s familial, platonic, or romantic – always seeks the best for others.

Those who command respect often embody this principle in their interactions.

They show patience when others are struggling.

They extend kindness even when it’s not reciprocated.

They strive to uplift rather than bring down.

In a world that often feels harsh and hurried, those who live by this teaching shine brightly.

Their patience and kindness create a ripple effect, inspiring others to do the same.

And in doing so, they earn not just respect but deep admiration and love from those around them.

7) Walk by faith, not by sight

The biblical principle of “walk by faith, not by sight”, found in the book of Corinthians, has been a constant guide in my life.

It encourages us to trust in the unseen and believe in the grander plan, even when our current circumstances seem challenging.

There was a period in my life when things just didn’t seem to go right.

Career setbacks, and personal losses – it felt like I was walking through a never-ending tunnel.

But this teaching kept me going. It reminded me to have faith in the journey, even when I couldn’t see the destination.

This principle isn’t about blind faith but about hope, resilience, and trust – trust in oneself, trust in others, and trust in the process of life.

Those who command respect often exhibit this unwavering faith.

They weather storms with grace and resilience, inspiring those around them to do the same.

In doing so, they command respect not just for their strength but for their steadfast spirit.

8) Blessed are the peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers,” a teaching from the book of Matthew, calls us to be agents of peace and harmony.

It encourages us to diffuse conflict and foster understanding, rather than adding fuel to the fire.

In a world where disagreements can quickly escalate into conflicts, those who can calmly navigate these situations and bring about resolution are highly respected.

They’re seen as mature, diplomatic, and wise.

Peacemaking isn’t about avoiding conflict or suppressing opinions.

It’s about openly addressing issues with respect, understanding, and a genuine desire for resolution.

People who command respect often live by this principle.

They strive to create environments where everyone feels heard, understood, and valued.

Their ability to maintain peace and foster harmony commands respect wherever they go.

9) Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness

The principle “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”, found in the book of Matthew, encourages us to prioritize spiritual growth and moral integrity above all else.

This teaching is about living a life anchored in ethics, honesty, and righteousness.

Those who command respect are often those who live by strong moral principles.

They understand that status, wealth, or power are meaningless without integrity.

They lead by example, showcasing that a life lived righteously is one that commands respect.

When you place truth, honesty, and righteousness at the forefront of your actions, you become a beacon of moral leadership.

And in a world that often skews towards moral ambiguity, beacons like these are not just respected – they’re needed.

The power of respect

Respect isn’t something you can demand or buy; it’s something you earn through your actions and principles.

The profound principles found in these biblical teachings offer a roadmap to earning the respect that transcends cultures, religions, and individual beliefs.

These teachings about love, judgment, honesty, empathy, forgiveness, faith, peace, and righteousness aren’t exclusive to any one religion or philosophy.

They are universal principles that resonate with our shared human experience.

The Dalai Lama once said, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”

This echoes the core message of these teachings – that respect is born from love, compassion, and understanding.

As you navigate through life, remember that people who command respect wherever they go are often those who live by these principles.

They understand that respect is less about how others perceive them and more about how they perceive and treat others.

So, as you reflect on these teachings, consider their relevance in your life.

It’s not about religious adherence but about embracing values that can make you a better person – a person who not only commands respect but also gives it generously.