Principles – “A Paramount Element in all Relationships” – 21/11/2015

   Going through negative or positive situations that add more determination to a person’s will, man must hold on to his humanity that one of its important principles is “Respect”. If respect is not found, all relationships will deteriorate and come to an end. As they say, “Without respect, there would be no love, friendship, or even a kinship“. No action or job may be done without respect.

   Respect leaves the best impression in people’s hearts. It is an attribute that adds more beauty to a person in the eye and heart of others. It is   the effect that a person leaves on people even in his absence. I liked those words, “Respect others as every human being, of whatever origin, of whatever station, deserves respect.”.People who respect others have a special nature as respect is their personal value that they keep and offer to anyone whether they deserve it or not as they are humans. It is a personal tribute and doesn’t depend on the reactions of others.

   Respecting others doesn’t depend on their presence as a person who learnt the value of respect will keep his respect for others whether they are present or absent and that will add to his reverence in people’s eyes. If you learn to respect the absentees, you will earn everyone’s respect even if they disagree with you. Thomas Edison said, “My mother was the making of me. She was so true, so sure of me; and I felt I had something to live for “, thus success of this great man is the byproduct of respect and trust he found in his mother.

   I remember the story of a businessman whose respect inspired a little boy selling some hand tools in the street to earn his living. After many years the boy became a successful business man. When they met again, the young man said ‘your respect inspired and encouraged me. It made me believe in my value as a human being.’ Behind every great person, a respect and trust he found in those around him. If respect is lost, everything else will have the same destiny.

   In relationships, respect should be the first motive of every person especially in workplace. As they say, if we can’t be allies, we may cooperate and if we couldn’t, we should share respect .A sign to respect is keeping it even if you disagree with others as disagreement shouldn’t distort friendship. The more mature a person is, the more respectful he is. A mature person can deal with his differences with people. They also say that being respectful in your discussions and conversations with others, let you tell the world that you were raised up on great principles and values that you express without talking about them. It is also said that At any relationship, respect is paramount.

   However you should realize the difference between respect and candied praise that aims at reaching a hidden objective or desire for real and original characters are always the winners.

Anba Ermiah,

General Bishop& President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center