This morning as I pondered the attitude of respect of people’s humanity, a gratefulness grew in my heart. Now I’m feeling thankful for the humanity that is in all human beings (even when we overlook it). Here are some of my morning thoughts:

People are the most incredible beings on planet earth and should be treated with great respect.

Respect people’s humanity whether or not you approve of their behaviors and beliefs. To be kind to people even when you disagree with their beliefs and behaviors is to show them great respect.

Every person is a mixture of good and bad. When you think about someone focus on the good in them and have mercy on the bad.

Without self-respect, people are quick to disrespect others.

Disrespect is the enemy of greatness! For America (or any other country) to be great requires that people continually treat each other with great kindness and respect.

Treat people like human beings, not like throwaway plastic water bottles.

When you look at someone see a human being, not a threat, a worldview, a political position, or a lifestyle.

To belittle people because of their beliefs and behaviors is to be little. To be speak the truth with kindness and respect is to be great.

To refuse to respect the humanity in people who you disagree with is inhumane.

If you disrespect the humanity of people who disagree with you (and/or people you don’t like), you’ll treat them with disgust.

Treating people with disrespect is the inclination of the insecure. When you disagree with people you don’t have to disrespect them.

Honor the objective reality that the people you disagree with are human beings, not your subjective feelings of disrespect for them.

Even when people are disrespectful to you, you can continue to show respect for their humanity.

People who treat people with disrespect have no real respect for themselves.

To disrespect kindness, ethics and moral principles is to devalue your own humanity.

I believe that taking innocent human life disrespects humanity and is morally wrong whether it is in Gaza or in a womb.

Physical intimacy without holy heart-connection is a neglection of the most beautiful and powerful part of sex and disrespects the value another human being.

From prenatal life to hospice care, humanity should be respected.

Daily experiencing Christ’s presence, love, and forgiveness will meet your need for respect and empower you to show kindness and respect to all people.

Christians are supposed to speak the truth with love and kindness, not to disrespect people’s humanity.

To truly respect God’s story is to respect the humanity in all people by showing them God’s love, whether we like them or not, or agree with them or not.

Social media presents a choice for Christians. We can plant seeds of respect for all humanity and humble discipleship. Or we can plant seeds of comfortable Christianity and pride. It’s time to sow the seeds that make people want to be respect-filled disciples of the living Jesus, not just passive spectators in religious services.