Respect Is Both Freely Given & Earned
Some people should be given respect because of the position they are in: spouses, parents, pastors, employers, various leaders, and the like. Other people should be respected because of their association with others. For example, God treats the unsaved spouse of a Christian with greater respect, if you will, because of the believer. They are granted grace that an unsaved person with an unsaved spouse is not given (1 Cor 7:14). This grace is not saving but it is extra grace and extra consideration (1 Cor 7:16, NIV). Then there are those who are to be respected because of their good behavior (Prov 11:27, EVD). At the most basic level, others should be respected because they are valued by God (1 Pet 2:17, TEV). However, the deepest respect must be earned by godly behavior (Rom 12:17, CEV).
Respect should be shown in our actions. For instance, we are told that we should display respect for the elderly (Lev 19:32, NCV). There are negative spiritual consequences for showing disrespect (1 Pet 3:7, CJB). However, showing appropriate respect is an indication of being a bigger person, of being more mature (Berkeley Bible note on Rom 15:14). Besides, being on the receiving end of respect is better than being rich (Prov 22:1, EVD).
Finally, though, our motive in showing respect must be good. The Bible condemns those who give others respect simply as a manipulative way of getting something from them (Jude 16, NLV). We should show respect because it is right, not merely because it is advantageous to do so.
Loving trust is more important than mere head knowledge.