Honor
Description
Honor is deep respect for what we know is right and true. It is living up to the virtues of our character. We honor our abilities by using them for a meaningful purpose. Honor is appreciation in action. We honor others when we treat them with the dignity they deserve. Others can trust us to keep our word of honor. When we do things we are ashamed of, we restore our honor by taking responsibility and making amends. We do our duty, whatever sacrifice it requires. We act with integrity, not to be admired, but because it is the right thing to do.
Quote
“If you seek what is honorable, what is good, what is the truth of your life, all the other things you could not imagine come as a matter of course.”
— Oprah Winfrey
The Practice of Honor
- I live by my principles.
- I cultivate the virtues and talents I have been given.
- I treat others and myself with dignity and respect.
- I am trustworthy in keeping my agreements.
- I strive for impeccable integrity.
- I do what I believe is right no matter what.
Definitions and practices of virtue are used with permission from the Virtues Project™.
In Family Life
Honor within a family is a beacon of deep respect for what is right and just, illuminating the path toward virtuous living. It is demonstrated through a collective commitment to upholding moral integrity and authenticity. In a family that embodies honor, each member honors their unique talents and abilities by utilizing them purposefully for the greater good of the family unit.
It is a daily practice of appreciating one another through actions that reflect the inherent dignity of each family member, fostering an environment of trust and unwavering integrity. Even in moments of imperfection, honor prevails as family members take responsibility for their actions and seek to make amends, reinforcing their commitment to the values that bind them.
In essence, honor in a family is not a mere concept but a lived experience. This uplifting force nurtures a culture of virtue and respect, serving as a guiding light for future generations.
Balancing Virtues
Honor is a profound and essential quality that embodies integrity, honesty, and moral uprightness. To ensure that honor is expressed in its most admirable form, it can be beneficial to foster three complementary virtues:
Humility: While honor encourages us to uphold our values and principles, humility reminds us to do so with grace and modesty. Excessive pride or arrogance can overshadow the true essence of honor. By embracing humility, we can keep our actions rooted in sincerity rather than ego, making our honorable deeds even more meaningful and genuine.
Compassion: Honor should extend beyond ourselves to encompass our relationships with others. The virtue of compassion helps us to consider the feelings and well-being of others in our actions. It encourages us to treat everyone with respect, empathy, and kindness, allowing honor to shine as a beacon of positivity in our interactions.
Wisdom: In the pursuit of honor, wisdom plays a pivotal role. Wisdom guides us to make informed and ethical decisions. It helps us discern when and how to stand up for what is right and when seeking compromise or understanding might be more honorable. Our actions become more thoughtful and well-balanced with wisdom as a companion to honor.
Incorporating humility, compassion, and wisdom into your practice of honor can create a harmonious equilibrium, ensuring that your expressions of honor uplift and inspire those around you. These virtues serve as valuable allies in your quest to embody the highest ideals of honor while navigating the complexities of life with grace and integrity. Pursuing balance in virtue is a noble journey, and every step taken in the right direction brings you closer to becoming the best version of yourself.