1.0 Honor and Reward According to the Bible

Honor and reward are fundamental principles of the Heavenly Kingdom, shaping how we live and serve on earth. Jesus taught that true greatness comes not from status or power but from serving others: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).

In God’s Kingdom, honor is given to those who walk in humility, love, and obedience. When we live by Kingdom values—honoring God and others—we position ourselves to receive the rewards He has prepared for His faithful servants. This study will explore how embracing honor leads to spiritual growth, divine favor, and Kingdom impact.

Key Scripture: Romans 13:7 – “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”

1.1 Definition of Honor in Biblical Context

Honor, in the Bible, is more than just a word—it reflects God’s love in action. Honor means recognizing the value that God has placed in people, not because of what they do, but because of who they are in God’s eyes.

In the natural world, our tendency is to operate from a mindset of survival—reacting to situations based on fear, self-preservation, and justice as we see fit. However, honor calls us to rise above that mindset and respond from a place of love, trust in God, and a recognition of His order. This is why Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 13:31, “And yet I will show you the most excellent way.”

What is this “most excellent way”? It is love. Honor flows from love, not fear or obligation. It is the way God operates, and it is how He calls us to live.

Honor Involves Preserving Others Even When They Don’t Deserve It. 

One of the most powerful examples of biblical honor is David and King Saul.

Saul was not only David’s king but also his enemy. He was hunting David down, trying to kill him out of jealousy and fear. In 1 Samuel 24, David had the perfect opportunity to take revenge. Saul had entered a cave to rest, not knowing that David and his men were hiding there. Instead of killing Saul, David simply cut off a piece of his robe. David’s men encouraged him to kill Saul, saying it was the perfect moment for justice. But David refused. Why? Because he understood that honor means preserving someone’s dignity, even when we feel they deserve retaliation.

David told his men:

“The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” (1 Samuel 24:6)

This is a radical form of honor. David did not honor Saul because Saul was acting honorably—he honored Saul because he recognized that God’s purpose and calling on Saul’s life were greater than the temporary injustice he was experiencing.

David teaches us a deep truth about honor:

• Honor is not about what someone deserves, but about who they are in God’s plan.
• Honor means trusting that God, not us, is the ultimate judge.

Many times in life, we feel justified in exposing someone’s flaws or tearing them down, especially when they have wronged us. But honor means choosing to protect, not destroy. It doesn’t mean ignoring injustice, but it does mean leaving vengeance in God’s hands.

1.2 The Distinction Between Respect and Honor

Respect is often earned. It is based on actions, performance, or achievements. Honor, however, is freely given. It is based on the intrinsic value God has placed in people.

• You respect a judge because of their position, but you honor them even when you don’t agree with their rulings.
• You respect your parents because they raised you, but you honor them even when they make mistakes.
• You respect church leaders for their service, but you honor them even when they fail because they are still anointed by God to serve you.

This is why Jesus tells us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). He wasn’t saying to ignore sin, but to honor people as creations of God, leaving judgment and justice to Him.

1.3 Honor is the Most Elevated Way to Live

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13 that there are many powerful things—faith, knowledge, wisdom, even spiritual gifts—but love surpasses them all. Honor, when it comes from love, is the highest form of living.

“And yet I will show you the most excellent way…” (1 Corinthians 12:31)

This verse leads directly into 1 Corinthians 13, the famous “love chapter,” where Paul describes that love:

• Is patient and kind.
• Does not dishonor others.
• Keeps no record of wrongs.
• Rejoices in truth, not in evil.

Honor, then, is not just about obedience or behavior—it is a lifestyle that mirrors the heart of God. It’s a way of living that reflects trust in God’s justice, humility, and a commitment to love others as He loves us.

The world operates from a mindset of justice, survival, and retaliation. But God calls us to a higher standard: a life of honor, rooted in love. This does not mean we allow abuse or sin to go unchecked, but it does mean we treat others with the dignity God has given them, regardless of their actions.

When we live by honor, we break free from the cycle of bitterness, revenge, and division. Instead, we build a Kingdom culture where love, forgiveness, and God’s justice prevail.

1.4 Reflection Questions:

Why does God call us to honor others?

• Start by acknowledging that honor originates from God and is a reflection of His love.
• Mention how God created every person with purpose and value, so when we honor others, we acknowledge His design.
• Reference 1 Peter 2:17: “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” This verse shows that honor is not just for those we like but for all people, including those in authority.
• Explain how honoring others aligns us with God’s nature—He honors us even when we don’t deserve it.
• Connect it to the Kingdom mindset: Honor is not about who deserves it; it’s about living as Christ did.

A Reflection for Yourself

• Ask: How do I reflect God’s heart when I honor others?
• Consider situations where honoring someone felt unnatural—what was God teaching you?

How does honoring others reflect our faith maturity?

• Explain that mature faith means living by God’s principles, not just reacting to emotions or circumstances.
• Reference 1 Corinthians 13:31: “And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” The most excellent way is love, which fuels honor.
• Use Jesus as an example—He honored people who didn’t deserve it (e.g., forgiving the soldiers who crucified Him in Luke 23:34).
• Mention how honor requires humility (Philippians 2:3-4) and trust in God’s justice rather than seeking revenge.
• When we honor even when it’s difficult, we demonstrate that our faith is not just about words but about living out God’s love.

A Reflection for Yourself

• Ask: Do I honor only when it’s easy, or do I choose honor even when it’s hard?
• Think about a time when choosing to honor someone deepened your faith.Have you struggled with honoring someone? How can you change that?

Have you struggled with honoring someone? How can you change that?

• Be honest—most people struggle with honor, especially when dealing with difficult people.
• Reflect on David and Saul (1 Samuel 24)—David had a reason to retaliate, but he honored Saul because he trusted God’s timing and justice.
• Encourage self-examination:
• Is my struggle based on hurt, disappointment, or pride?
• Am I honoring people only when I feel they deserve it?
• Offer a practical solution: Pray for them (Matthew 5:44) and ask God to help you see them as He does.
• If possible, take a small step toward honoring them—a kind word, an act of service, or simply choosing not to speak negatively about them.

Personal Reflection to Encourage:

• Ask: What stops me from honoring this person?
• What action can I take today to start changing my attitude toward them?

1.4 Homework Assignment:

Read Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-4, and Colossians 3:21, then write a one-page reflection on how these verses shape your perspective on honoring family members. Consider how honor applies in different relationships: parents, spouses, and children. Reflect on how honoring family is connected to your relationship with God.

Guide to Completing the Homework:

Step 1: Read and Understand the Scriptures

Carefully read the assigned Bible verses. Consider:

• Exodus 20:12 – Why does God connect honor with blessing?
• Ephesians 6:1-4 – How does honor function between children and parents?
• Colossians 3:21 – What role do parents have in honoring their children?

Step 2: Reflect on These Questions

• How do I currently honor my family members?
• In what ways can I improve in honoring them?
• How does honoring my family help me grow spiritually?
• How does family honor reflect God’s kingdom?

Step 3: Write Your Reflection

• Introduction: Briefly explain what honor means in a biblical context.
• Body: Discuss how honor applies to parents, spouses, or children based on the verses. Share personal experiences or insights.
• Conclusion: Summarize key takeaways and commit to one action step to honor a family member this week.

Bonus Challenge:

Practice one act of honor towards a family member this week and write down your experience!