The Consequences for Disrespecting Others 4-25-25

A few years ago, someone was very disrespectful to me and I didn’t address  it or correct the way the person disrespected me. Recently, it happened again with the same person; it was to the point that I refused to speak to them.

However, after prayerfully submitting it to the Lord, He placed the person in my path, and I embraced the person and talked about both of times where there was disrespect. The person was not open to what was being said and walked away from me disrespectfully.

·       There is a reason for me sharing this story. This is a warning to anybody who disrespects others, but especially to leaders, the elderly, and prophets. Back to the story:

After there was no restitution (restoration), I called someone and shared what occurred with her. She had gone through something similar where  someone ( a younger person) disrespecting her. I told her how there are consequences for anyone who disrespects others, especially the elders.

I said although the Bible says that children should obey their parents that their days may be long…. (Ephesians 6:1-3), there is a second part about parents not provoking their children to anger.  Today I am putting emphasis on what I experienced.

The next morning, this was shared with my prayer partners to pray for those who disrespect others, especially to the people who disrespected the other person that told me what she experienced.

After sharing this, as usual, I always want to back up what is being said with the Word, and the Spirit of God brought to my remembrance the situation about Elisha the prophet and how forty two boys mocked (disrespected him).

I went on the internet to confirm what I said, and this is the answer:

AI Overview

The biblical story of Elisha and the mocking boys (2 Kings 2:23-24) teaches a principle about respecting authority and the consequences of disrespecting God's messengers. It highlights that disrespecting God's chosen representatives, like prophets, can lead to serious repercussions. The story also emphasizes the importance of honoring elders and leaders within a community. 

Elaboration:

Disrespect and Mockery:

The boys mocked Elisha, a prophet of God, with taunting remarks like "Go up, thou bald head!". This disrespect was directed towards a figure of spiritual authority. 

Divine Retribution:

Elisha cursed the boys in the name of the Lord, and two bears emerged from the forest and tore apart forty-two of them. This demonstrates God's response to disrespect, even when directed towards his messengers. The word "curse" meant a declaration of divine judgment or punishment, not simply an expression of anger or ill wishes.

Principle for Today:

The story serves as a reminder that disrespecting authority, whether it's religious, parental, or otherwise, can have negative consequences. It encourages reverence for leaders and the importance of treating others with respect, especially those in positions of authority. 

Respecting others is a principle that has been and will always be. The warning has gone out, please take heed! Whether saved or unsaved, everybody reaps what they sow; sowing disrespect results in somebody disrespecting you (Galatians 6:7).

His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org