Cultivating Spiritual Virtues: Honour
Sermon by Pastor Derek Foo
In a society increasingly shaped by instant judgment, criticism, and online condemnation, Pastor Derek Foo challenges the church to rediscover a forgotten biblical virtue: honour. While the world often treats people lightly, Scripture calls believers to treat every person as someone of value, dignity, and significance.
The central message of the sermon is simple yet powerful:
In a world that treats people lightly, God’s people are called to honour every person because God already has.
What Is Honour?
To cultivate honour, we must first understand what it means.
Pastor Derek explains that the Old Testament Hebrew word for honour, kavod, literally means weight or substance. It describes something that carries significance and cannot be easily dismissed. The same word is used to describe the glory of God and the honour children are commanded to show their parents.
In the New Testament, the Greek word timē refers to assigning value or estimating worth. It was commonly used in marketplaces to describe the price placed on something valuable.
Together, these biblical concepts reveal that honour means:
- Recognizing a person’s worth
- Treating others with dignity
- Refusing to dismiss or devalue people
- Acknowledging the significance God has placed upon them
Conversely, dishonour occurs when we treat people as insignificant, disposable, or beneath our attention.
Honour is not reserved for special occasions. It is the daily practice of treating people as if they matter.
The Source of Honour
Pastor Derek emphasizes that honour does not originate from culture, social status, achievement, or personal feelings.
Honour originates from God Himself.
Psalm 8 declares that God has crowned humanity with glory and honour. Genesis 1 further reveals that every person is created in the image of God.
This means every human being carries inherent worth before they accomplish anything.
Their value is not determined by:
- Success or failure
- Wealth or poverty
- Popularity or influence
- Race, nationality, or social standing
Their value is established because they bear the image of their Creator.
When we honour others, we are not creating value for them; we are recognizing the value God has already placed upon them.
Why Must We Honour Others?
Because Every Person Has Been Honoured by God
Every human being bears God’s image and carries His mark of dignity.
This truth changes how we view:
- Family members
- Colleagues
- Church members
- Strangers
- Difficult people
Peter’s instruction is straightforward:
“Honour everyone.”
Not some people.
Not only deserving people.
Not only people who agree with us.
Everyone.
Honour is not based on performance. It is based on God’s declaration of worth.
Because Dishonour Damages Communities
Pastor Derek also highlights how dishonour fractures relationships and weakens communities.
Using 1 Corinthians 11, he explains that the Corinthian church was experiencing division, selfishness, and disrespect during the Lord’s Supper. What should have strengthened the church instead caused harm because people failed to honour one another.
Dishonour often appears through:
- Gossip
- Contempt
- Pride
- Favoritism
- Public criticism
- Dismissing others
When honour disappears, relationships deteriorate and communities suffer.
Healthy churches, families, and friendships are built upon a culture of mutual honour.
How Do We Practically Show Honour?
1. Honour God with Reverence
All honour begins with God.
Peter writes:
“Fear God.”
Unlike human honour, which is given broadly, reverent fear belongs exclusively to God.
We honour God through:
- Worship
- Obedience
- Prayer
- Stewardship
- Prioritizing His kingdom
Pastor Derek reminds the church that genuine worship always costs something. Like King David, we should never offer God something that costs us nothing.
2. Honour Authority with Respect
Scripture repeatedly teaches believers to honour those whom God has placed in positions of authority.
This includes:
- Parents
- Elders
- Church leaders
- Government authorities
- Teachers and mentors
Honour does not require blind agreement. However, even disagreement should be expressed respectfully.
Biblical honour recognizes God’s order and treats authority with dignity and respect.
3. Honour Everyone Without Reserve
Perhaps the most radical command in the sermon comes from 1 Peter 2:17:
“Honour everyone.”
In the ancient world, honour was often reserved for the wealthy, powerful, or influential. Christianity turned that mindset upside down.
The Gospel teaches believers to honour:
- The weak
- The overlooked
- The elderly
- The vulnerable
- The ordinary
Because God’s image is present in every person.
The church should be known as a community where people feel valued, respected, heard, and loved.
A Challenge for Reflection
Pastor Derek concludes by inviting believers to examine their hearts.
Is there someone you have been treating lightly?
Perhaps someone you have dismissed, criticized, overlooked, or taken for granted.
Is there an authority figure you need to honour more intentionally?
A parent, leader, pastor, teacher, or elder?
Are you truly honouring God?
Do your priorities, decisions, worship, and obedience reflect His worth in your life?
When we understand how deeply God has honoured us through Jesus Christ, our response should be to extend that same honour to others.
Final Reflection
The Gospel begins with God’s honour toward us.
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He saw our worth even when we could not see it ourselves. He gave His life so that we could become His chosen people, His royal priesthood, and His treasured possession.
Because we have been honoured by God, we can freely honour others.
May we become people who:
- Honour God wholeheartedly
- Honour authority respectfully
- Honour everyone generously
And may our homes, relationships, and church become places where people experience the dignity, value, and grace that flow from the heart of God.
