"Honour all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” — 1 Peter 2:17, NKJV

In a time when dishonor seems more common than dignity, Dr. Stafford Petersen brought a sobering and Spirit-filled reminder: God sees dishonor—and He does not take it lightly. His message called us back to a Kingdom culture that places high value on honor—not just as a gesture, but as a spiritual discipline that shapes how we treat others and how we walk with God.

Honor is not about flattery or favoritism—it is about recognizing the image of God in others and responding accordingly. When we walk in honor, we reflect God’s heart. When we walk in dishonor, we invite spiritual consequences.

1. God Watches Dishonor Closely

In Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses, questioning his authority and leadership. But God hears them.

“Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?” — Numbers 12:8b, NKJV

Moses didn’t defend himself—God did. What looked like casual criticism was actually deep dishonor. God responded by removing His presence and striking Miriam with leprosy. This moment shows us that dishonor doesn’t just hurt relationships—it interrupts divine order and quenches God’s presence. God doesn’t turn a blind eye to dishonor. He addresses it.

Let this be a warning: We must be careful how we speak about those in authority—spiritual, familial, governmental. The way we treat God’s appointed leaders reflects how much we reverence the God who appointed them.

2. Honor Covers—Dishonor Exposes

The story in Genesis 9 reveals another powerful truth about honor. After the flood, Noah becomes drunk and lies uncovered in his tent. His son Ham sees his nakedness and exposes it. But Shem and Japheth choose a different response.

“But Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father… their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father’s nakedness.” — Genesis 9:23, NKJV

While Ham dishonored Noah by exposing his shame, his brothers honored him by covering, not condoning. And God responded accordingly: Ham’s descendants were cursed, while Shem and Japheth were blessed. The lesson is clear: Honor doesn’t ignore weakness—it handles it with wisdom.

In our generation, exposure has become entertainment. But Kingdom people are called to cover, protect, and restore—not humiliate.

3. Honor Must Be a Culture, Not Just a Reaction

Paul instructs the Church in Rome:

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” — Romans 12:10, NKJV

Honor should not be situational. It should be our standard—within the church, in our homes, in the workplace, and with strangers. It doesn’t mean we ignore wrong. It means we confront it with the right spirit, preserving dignity even in correction.

Imagine a culture where:

• Children honor their parents—and parents honor their children.
• Church members honor their pastors—and leaders honor the people they serve.
• Believers honor even when it's inconvenient—because it reflects the nature of Christ.

That’s the culture of Heaven.

4. Honor Attracts the Anointing

Dishonor drives away the presence of God. Jesus Himself was limited in His own hometown, not because of a lack of power, but because of a lack of honor.

“Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” — Matthew 13:58, NKJV

They were too familiar with Jesus—too casual. Their dishonor shut down the miraculous. Honor, on the other hand, opens doors in the Spirit. It positions us for breakthrough, healing, and impartation.

5. Honor Begins in the Heart

True honor isn’t just shown with our lips—it begins in the posture of our hearts. God sees beyond outward politeness. He looks for humility, for teachability, and for a surrendered spirit. If we want to walk in God’s favor, we must walk in God’s ways. And honor is His way.

6. Honor Makes Room for Miracles

Dr. Petersen concluded the message with a powerful reminder from 2 Kings 4—the story of the Shunammite woman, who recognized the anointing on Elisha and chose to honor him, not out of obligation but out of discernment.

“And she said to her husband, ‘Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly. Please, let us make a small upper room on the wall...’” — 2 Kings 4:9–10, NKJV

She didn't just feed Elisha—she made space for the anointing. Her hospitality wasn’t casual; it was intentional. She honored the presence of God on the prophet by creating room for him in her house.

And what did that honor produce? A miracle she didn’t even ask for.

The prophet told her she would bear a son—and in due time, she did. Later, when that same son died, her honor positioned her for resurrection power. Because she had made room for the anointing, the anointing made room for life.

Here’s the truth: Honor prepares the atmosphere for God to move. Where dishonor shuts the door, honor opens windows of Heaven.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Examine and Return

So where do we go from here?

• Examine your heart. Have dishonoring words or attitudes crept in?
• Repent where necessary. God gives grace to the humble.
• Commit to walk in honor—in word, in deed, and in silence.

Dishonor always brings destruction—but honor brings alignment with Heaven. God blesses those who honor what He honors.

“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” — Romans 14:19, NKJV

Let’s be known not just for our preaching, our worship, or our gifts… but for our honor.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, forgive us for any place we’ve walked in dishonor. Purify our hearts and renew a right spirit within us. Help us to see others through Your eyes—to cover with grace, to speak with truth, and to reflect Your heart in every interaction. May we be a people of honor in a world that has forgotten what it means. In Jesus’ name, amen.