In Parashat Va'eirah G-d commands Moses
and Aaron to be give Pharaoh the respect of a king. In Parashat Bo ,Verse 11:8, Moses says to Pharaoh
that as a consequence of the 10th and last plague, the killing of
the firstborn Egyptians ,all these servants in his presence would come before
Moses and tell him to leave the country –you and the entire people that follows
you. The fact was that Pharaoh himself would come running to Moses and Aaron and
ask them to leave. Out of respect for crown Moses did not mention him in this
humiliating context.
The Exodus story instills in one a belief
and trust in G-d's omnipotence and dominion over the world.
What does the command to be always respectful despite provocations have to do
in belief and trust in G-d. ?
Getting
angry and being disrespectful is ' as if one has worshipped idolatry' – he has
set himself up as the centre of the universe. But there is more to it. How
often do people say – If I don't scream or shout and get angry , nothing will
get done. The person is denying God a
role in the world, he is not leaving any place for G-d's help and assistance.
When we are respectful and use non-violent communication we are acknowledging
that we don't control people and the world and ask for God's assistance to help
us influence or guide others for the good. We believe that G-d runs the show.
When we use anger and disrespect we say that we control the world.
When we throw out all the instruments of
control like anger and disrespect we allow our positive
characters to surface . We can then influence people and lead by greatness of
character and nobility and emulate God's traits of compassion and holiness etc.
We live in the world where our ability to control others whether they are our
staff, students, spouses and children is very limited. It is a trusting relationship
and our characters that encourage others to seek our guidance and company. Being respectful is firstly for our benefit ,
it defines who we are and our relationship with God.
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