How to gain respect from others

Respect is not simply given but earned. Everyone wants to be respected, but only a few people know how we can work for the respect of others. 

Although we do not live for validation from people, it is vital to earn their respect and credibility to lead them effectively. 

Besides, there are some ways we could do for others to respect you even though you do not have a high social status.

How to gain respect from others

Being trustworthy is a highly-valued character. If people saw that you can be trusted, they will depend on you as they respect you.

Here are some Biblical ways to earn respect and boost your influence on God.

Guard your mouth

The words we say are the window to our hearts. 

Luke 6:45 says, “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

Our words reveal the wickedness or holiness that lies within our hearts.

To gain respect from others, we have to be careful about what we say, for it could create or destroy the life of others. We have to speak blessings, not curses. 

Moreover, we have to speak with grace and of grace. As mature Christians who want to influence others for Jesus, our speech should be refined and charming.

Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

Practice what you preach

Often, we gain respect not for what we say but for what we do. Our actions speak louder than our words. 

Are we doing what we are teaching to others?

James 3:13 says, “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct, let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.”

People can see meekness and wisdom or pride and foolishness through our deeds. A wise man is known by what comes out of his mouth and what he does.

Although God does not expect us to live perfectly, He wants us to be sincere in our efforts to become holy as He is holy.

One practical way to earn respect through our actions is by being on time and doing the right thing. 

Care for and love others genuinely

As we live in Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells in us so we can also produce His fruit toward others. As they say, people do not care about what you say but about how you care. 

We do not earn respect by being self-righteous or being full of pride. We treat people right, no matter how difficult it is to deal with them. We have always tried our best to see the good in people. 

Moreover, we should never hold resentment toward others. People will respect you if you still treat people right regardless of their actions. We now live for Jesus and not for ourselves. Thus, Jesus still forgave the sinners as He died on the cross.

Jesus Christ clearly said in Matthew 22:37-40 that we should love the Lord our God with all our heart and mind. Then we shall love our neighbor as ourselves.

Character

Character is our attitude towards life and the people around us. Our attitude is the nonverbal communication of the soul. 

Those who produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit are the ones that could win the respect of others. 

How would people describe your attitude if they said something about you? Do they see the character of Jesus? 

Proverbs 25:28 says, “A man without self-control  is like a city broken into and left without walls.”

This verse means having no control over our attitude is like an unprotected city in a dangerous area. 

However, having self-discipline in our character is another way to influence others and have the credibility to be respected. We have to choose to rejoice amidst trials and take the accountability to admit our shortcomings.

Values purity

While the world teaches us to give in with pleasure even if our purity is at stake, Christians must hold on firmly to our virtue. One of satan's schemes is to pressure us to give up our righteousness for the sake of belongingness. 

However, God admires you when you value your purity in Him. We have to turn away from the filthiness of the world and flesh. 

We could earn respect by obeying God’s command of being pure in mind, body, and heart. 

If we want to gain respect for God’s glory, we have to stay away from “friends” who encourage us to do immoral things. 

More so, we must be honest to God and confess our sins to Him as He is faithful and just to forgive our sins. 

2 Timothy 2:22 says, “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

Unshakeable faith

People will respect you if they see that your faith in God is not shaken by your circumstance or the people around you. How well do you trust God even without seeing Him?

Moreover, faith moves God’s hand to make us believe and hope for things unseen. Christians respect faith. You will earn their respect as they see you are still confident with your thoughts and remain calm in any situation. 

Furthermore, we should live by faith and not by sight. Do not be afraid to proclaim your faith towards others as you could win souls for Jesus Christ.

More importantly, do not be a doubter. If we want to earn the respect of others, we should stand firm in our faith that God can do great and impossible things.

Acts 11:24 says, “For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.”

Be consistent

It is hard to earn others’ respect if we are not consistent in what we do. We should be consistent in everything we do and say so people would not think we are lying to them. 

Great leaders are consistent in what they do, which is why they become successful. For instance, Daniel constantly prayed to God, so even the King of Egypt respected him for his consistency in trusting and praying to his God.

Be a good listener

A good leader is a good listener. Sometimes, people just need someone who can listen to their struggles. They feel that you really care when you listen to their feelings. They would feel valued and appreciated when you lend an ear to them.

Additionally, being a good listener is admirable since most people only want to speak their minds. 

Earning respect is your to testify Jesus Christ

We do not aim to please others but to be respected to witness Jesus Christ more effectively. We may not do it perfectly, but the more we strive for excellence in these ways to earn respect, the more we can see a positive impact. 

More importantly, more than earning other people's respect, earn God's respect. Once God honors you, He will lift you up so people can also respect you.