R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

Continuing with honoring our parents, we will be discussing consideration and respect. Consideration simply means thoughtfullness to others.

Sometimes showing consideration and respect to your family is difficult because they are the ones who have to live with you day in and day out! You spend a lot of time with them since you’re under the same roof and sometimes that can get the best of us.

So as we talk about consideration now, think about how you can be more considerate of your parents.
Read Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT)

We need to value other people more than we value ourselves. So what does that look like in our relationships with our parents?
Chores and homework: If you know you have a responsibility that needs to be completed before the night is over, be considerate and show initiative. Tell your parents what your plan of attack is for completing that task so they know that you are aware that it needs to be done. Ex: I'd like to watch a TV show, but first I'll unload the dishwasher and do my homework.

Pick up after yourself: Don’t leave your stuff on the bathroom floor or scattered through the house; Be considerate of your parents by leaving things and rooms better than how you found it.
Your parents will love that they have such a considerate daughter that is respectful of the boundaries they have set and wants to set their minds at ease.

Read James 3:17 (NLT)

So when we receive wisdom from God, all of those other qualities start showing themselves … including consideration. So seek God’s wisdom if you struggle with this area in your relationship with your parents!

Want to evaluate your consideration? Take this quiz!
1. You leave dirty clothes and/or wet towel on the floor of the bathroom you share with other family members.
A. Never B. Sometimes C. Often

2. You present a list of requests, frustrations, or engage in heavy topics of conversation within minutes of your parent(s) arriving home from a long day or when it’s time for bed.
A. Never B. Sometimes C. Often

3. You control the remote while you’re home watching TV, regardless of who else is in the room with you.
A. Never B. Sometimes C. Often

4. You answer your phone, play games, or text during dinner or another designated family activities.
A. Never B. Sometimes C. Often

5. You wait to tell your parents about your plans, activities, or needs until last minute.
A. Never B. Sometimes C. Often

Results

Mostly As: You are very considerate to your parents. They will recognize your responsibility and be more likely to trust you.
Mostly Bs: You’re on your way to being considerate but you still have times when you are selfish. Think about how you can improve.
Mostly Cs: You have some work to do.

In your journal, write about what consideration means to you. How do you show consideration to your family? How can you improve? Write a prayer asking God to show you opportunities to be considerate and respectful.