Respect

Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.

“Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” John 5:19-29

Respect

Love is a gentle and firm hand
a good direction when all seems lost
an honoring of those before us
a posture of serving with joy.

Do not believe although freely given
this love will be an easy thing
you must daily take up a load
daily be willing to be a participant.

Love demands honor and respect
it withers away without them
like a summer herb going to seed
it will find other fields to take root.

Love is a free gift gratefully given
the lifeblood of the Creator poured out
we are offered a continual stream
given the power to spread it wide.