Our Values: 2nd Part

By: Bruno Molina, RBH Executive Director

Last month, I began to explain the significance and impact of our values es

expressed through the acrostic C.H.R.I.S.T. The C stands for clear communication.

Since in Spanish the word is C.R.I.S.T.O., I now continue on to “R” signifying

“Respect.”

The unconditional value of each person is a fundamental pillar in biblical teaching.

Unlike cultural stances that bestow respect on the basis of social status, wealth,

or intellect, the Bible grounds human dignity in divine creation.

Genesis 1:27 (NASB-2020) lays this foundation by stating, "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

Every person possesses an irreplaceable intrinsic value simply by bearing the mark of the Creator, which morally obliges us to treat each fellow human being with the utmost honor and care.

The New Testament expands on this principle and shows that respectful

treatment is not optional or exclusive to those we like. The apostle Peter sums it

up clearly and directly in 1 Peter 2:17 (NASB-2020): "Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king."

The mandate to"honor all people" does not establish distinctions or exclusions; it

encompasses every human being regardless of their origin, convictions, or

condition. Recognizing this truth requires us to replace prejudice and indifference

with conscious consideration for others.

Likewise, the biblical perspective of respect actively transforms our daily

interactions through the practice of humility. In Philippians 2:3 (NASB-2020), we

are admonished, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves."

The dignity of others is fully recognized when we set aside our pride and choose

to value the needs and rights of others above our own, serving them with

empathy and courtesy.

In conclusion, respect in Scripture is not earned by human merit, but is bestowed

by divine command based on the value God places on human beings whom He

has created in His likeness. Understanding that each individual has been created

in the image of God and loved by Him radically transforms the way we live

together.

Practicing this principle strengthens our relationships and allows us to reflect the

Creator's righteous and compassionate character in our daily lives.

Our consistency in behaving in such a way also fulfills Christ's desire and prayer in

the Garden of Gethsemane when He pleaded in prayer with our heavenly Father

in John 17:23 (NASB-2020), " I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected

in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and You loved them, just

as You loved Me."