Love, Respect, Honour- What Does That Mean to Men?

Moderator: Cornelius Bartlett

Panelists:
Toney Olton
Reverend Jamal Medas
Pastor Derek Ward

As men, we are commanded to love our wives, while the emphasis is on women to respect, children to honour. We understand that these roles will overlap and are healthy for each member to express toward each other.

Everyone has varying interpretations of love, respect, honour, responsibility based on their background. There must be a common standard that is not only spiritual & moral but one that showcases its fruit by its very operation & demonstration. 

In trying to bring about change, we tend to lean towards the false sense of the reality we have created for ourselves (culture). However, we should lean towards absolutes which are based on spiritual & moral principles — as this results in a value-system & accountability to both God and man.

A proper definition of the above keywords & their understanding by all, can bring about much healing in how we relate to one another.

Some Questions:

• Why is it important for each person to live out these commands?
• If love is absolute, by definition, why do people talk about true love —
  • Can there be false love? 
  • Is it enough to function out of duty rather than love? 
  • Can there be respect without love; love without respect; love without honour?
• Can I fulfill my role and still be disrespecting others
• Can a man continue to expect respect from his family if he is not making any sacrifices?
• Should the church and other faith-based organizations be more involved & play an ongoing role in focusing on the families in their care?
  • Expressed via accountability sessions
  • General counselling
• What should we use to measure a family’s “success” within our organizations and as a community?
• Should the community get involved in displays of family breakdown?