Soul singer Lionel Ritchie was once deeply impacted by a speech in which his father had honored his mother, on their 37th wedding anniversary. In his speech, Ritchie Senior had lovingly honored his wife for sticking by him through the ups and downs of life over many years. Said Lionel, “What a great story because I pass through my house every day and I don’t say thank you. I just take for granted that certain things be done.”

That speech moved him to compose one of his best loved romantic ballads, “Three Times a Lady.”

In the Body of Christ, we too are encouraged to give honor to each other. The Apostle Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12:10 says, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Paul also often thanked those who partnered with him in the ministry as shown in Philippians 1:3 where he says, “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

Let us continue to “honor one another.”

Source: Cathy Applefeld Olson, “Lionel Richie Tells the Story Behind Breakthrough Hit 'Three Times a Lady'” Billboard.com (6-8-16)