1 Peter 2:17 - Respectufully

I teach two college courses online: Intro to Ethics and Survey of World Religions. Grading assignments every week for 50-85 students each semester, I've been able to collect some funny typos. Some typos merely make me smile; some are genuinely "laugh out loud" funny.

"I was excited when I seen we were discussing the Deceleration of Independence."

"My parents took me to church on Sunday and cataclysm class on Wednesday nights."

"I was married and 347 weeks pregnant with my first child and I got laid off of work."

"I am majoring in substance abuse... but that is only the beginning for me. I have a lot bigger goals in mind."

"For many including myself yoga is a way to relive stress "

"Dead Professor Carlson, Please look over my paper before I submit it."

Of course, I've done my own typos. Recently, I closed an email to a student with...

"Respectufully,
Ken Carlson, ICCOC Instructor"

Adding an extra "u" to say "Respect You Fully" wasn't my intent. But I started thinking... if we respect people less than "fully," is it genuine respect? If we show only partial respect, what remains? Disrespect? If respect is given grudgingly, what are we implying about the other person?

Peter wrote succinctly:
"Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." 1 Peter 2:17 (New American Standard Bible, 1995)
One translation (ESV) says, "honor the emperor," and the Roman emperor of Peter's day was not a respectable character.

Yet it is the same word used for, "Honor your father and mother" (Matthew 15:4 & 19:19) for respecting widows (1 Timothy 5:3), and even for how Jesus honors God the Father (John 8:49).

The New Living Translation puts it more plainly, "Respect everyone."

God, You haven't let us off the hook. You don't let us disrespect others who disagree with us--or even if they dishonor You. We still need to respect everyone. Fully. Give us the graciousness and humility to do just that. Amen.