Daily Chizuk #1371

As we conclude the mourning period for the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva, it behooves us to learn one of the lessons that Chazal told us we are supposed to take from their deaths. The Gemara says they died because they did not give each other the proper kavod. They were great Torah scholars and most certainly did not belittle each other. But they were held accountable for not honoring each other the way they were supposed to.
Everybody wants to be recognized. Everybody wants to feel important. And we have the ability to fulfill that need of others. It is not just a nice thing to do. It's a full-fledged obligation. Everyone needs to hear positive things about themselves. Everybody needs reassurance that they mean something. Even Gedolim could use chizuk.
As we prepare for Matan Torah, we must increase our efforts in giving other people kavod, treating them the way that Hashem wants His children to be treated.