Emphasis Preaching Journal

Rodney Dangerfield has entertained millions of people and made a very fine living with his humorous routine of "getting no respect." His act may be popular because most people agree they don't get much respect.

Jesus got very little respect in his hometown, among his very own people. He therefore abandoned his native Nazareth and adopted Capernaum as his new "hometown."

The same thing happened to Saint Paul. He was a big hit in Jewish circles. However, when he became a Christian, he got no respect, but a lot of suspicion and mistrust. The worst part was the apostles themselves refused to accept him and, in fact, were afraid of him. What kind of future would he have had if Barnabas had failed to take the initiative to introduce and make him acceptable to the church leaders?

Paul owes much to Barnabas and so do we, since we rely heavily on the teachings of the apostle to the Gentiles. When we go the extra mile or simply step out of our way to make another feel loved and wanted, we are accomplishing a good deed; and, in giving our respect to another, we in turn receive more respect and appreciation.