My theory is that Satan, the deceiver, does not want us to understand what respect truly is because he aims to distort our view of ourselves and God. If we misunderstand respect, we might live in opposition to our own nature—rejecting the divine love that sustains us. This is why doctrines like total depravity are so important—they serve as a reminder of our fallen state and our constant need for God's mercy. When we grasp our depravity, we can better appreciate the significance of Christ’s sacrifice, which is the foundation of genuine respect. The ultimate demonstration of a community rooted in respect is how much they value Christ’s worth—the One who is the source of all true respect. When we rely on God wholeheartedly, placing our trust in His love and sovereignty, we find ourselves truly respecting both Him and those around us. I've come to understand that earning respect is a concept often emphasized in our society, but I personally believe that true respect is not something we can simply earn through actions or achievements. Instead, I think the Bible presents respect in a different light—more aligned with a response to divine love, specifically through the expression of agape love. Respect, in the biblical sense, is rooted in recognizing the effects of God's unconditional love and grace in our lives. It’s not about earning approval from others; rather, it flows naturally from an awareness of who God is—the Creator, the Sovereign, the Infinite One—who alone is truly worthy of our worship and reverence. A person who perceives himself as inherently worthy simply by virtue of his existence, without acknowledging God's love and sovereignty, risks erecting barriers to genuine respect. Viewing oneself through a purely humanitarian lens—that is, as intrinsically deserving of respect—can lead to a mechanistic view of others, where interactions become transactional rather than rooted in love and understanding. Such a person might condemn others, but in doing so, they reveal their own condemnation—because their judgments are ultimately self-condemning. Every act of condemnation against another person is, in essence, a reflection of their own internal state. When individuals promote division or undermine human unity, they are, in effect, undermining their own respect for themselves and others. This behavior is rooted in control rather than true respect. This understanding is critical because, without recognizing Christ’s sacrifice and its worth, we cannot fully comprehend our purpose on earth. If we are unaware of the depth of God's love for us personally, then our sense of mission remains incomplete. Our lack of awareness about God's love leaves us deficient in understanding why we are here and what we are called to do. Respect, therefore, involves the ability to challenge others—up to a thousand people if necessary—who disagree with us, as long as that challenge aligns with God's intentions for our lives. It’s not about domination or control but about standing firm in truth and love, even amid opposition. In summary, true respect is rooted in recognizing the divine worth of Christ and understanding the profound implications of His sacrifice. It’s about seeing ourselves and others through the lens of God's love and sovereignty. Without this perspective, our interactions become superficial or destructive. Respect is not just a social convention; it is a reflection of our relationship with God, our understanding of His majesty, and our humble acknowledgment of our dependence on His grace. When we truly grasp the value of Christ and His sacrifice, we are empowered to live lives marked by genuine respect—respect that honors God, uplifts others, and sustains authentic community. The Bible also instructs us about the limits of God's communication concerning His condescension—His willingness to lower Himself and relate intimately with us. We know God personally because of His initiative—His revelation and His work in our lives. Despite our sins and unworthiness, we can recognize our own worth because God has chosen to see us as valuable. Without His grace, we would be unable to acknowledge our worth because we would be consumed by scorn or self-hatred. That’s why the psalmist, in his prayers, begged God to save his precious life—his soul, his very being—recognizing that his life was valuable only because God deemed it so. True respect, however, stems from how a person views themselves in relation to God—regardless of circumstances or what God is doing in their life at any given moment. God communicates with us continually, revealing His truth through everyday realities, creation, and His ongoing work in our hearts. He demonstrates how He shapes our identity—how we were created to reflect His glory. Whether a person falls into sin, faces temptation, or experiences rejection from others when following God's will, the fundamental principle remains: deep calls to deep. God is constantly speaking through the universe, through our experiences, and through our inner convictions. Our perception of ourselves is limited by how much we allow ourselves to be open to God's communication. If we dismiss His voice or refuse to acknowledge His truth, we diminish our capacity for respect and reverence. This failure to recognize God's authority and presence is part of what has caused the world to become chaotic and upside down.