1 Timothy 5:1-2
“Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.”
1 Timothy 5:1-2 ESV
As we begin to understand the grace and love of God that saved us, especially when we realize that Jesus demonstrated these to us when we were unworthy, then we must respond by treating others with gentleness and respect. Jesus didn't just die for us, He also died to save those around us. Each person in God's family is someone for whom Christ died and should be treated with respect, dignity, and love. These verses are some of the ways Paul instructed Timothy. As a servant of Christ and minister to Jesus' people, Paul wanted Timothy to understand that he must treat each group with respect and purity. Paul also wanted Timothy to recognize the importance of cultural and biblical expectations for handling himself in different kinds of relationships. A couple of principles are helpful for us as we look at Paul's instructions and apply them to our relationships: 1. Each person is special and loved by God, so should be treated appropriately. 2. We don't react to people harshly, but respectfully. 3. We treat each other as family members in Jesus' church as fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters.
We recognize that different situations in life require a different approach to each person. When we look at this verse, we can see it’s all about respect. It really is. So then, do you respect others. What about when they disagree with you? Whenever you’re trying to teach them something, do you do so in a condescending manner? Or do you do so out of respect to help them out. Many times people don’t realize that they can actually be tearing people down in the midst of their efforts to lift them up. People can tell if you are giving them respect or not. And I can promise you this, if they sense you are not respecting them, the odds of them retaining what you are saying to them are slim to none.
Just as Paul was teaching Timothy the value of respecting others, I think it’s a lesson we all need to refresh ourselves on from time to time. It's popular in today's cultures to claim we treat all people the same. Treating people fairly and respectfully is essential. But each person, and that person's station in life, needs to be considered as we seek to treat each other as fellow members of Jesus' family. Love should flavor each relationship. Propriety and respect should motivate our actions. And, serving each other as Jesus has served and blessed us must shape the attitude behind our every word and action. Just as Paul was teaching Timothy the value of respecting others, I think it’s a lesson we all need to refresh ourselves on from time to time!!!
Father thank You for this day and the breath of Your Word. Lord pour out Your abundant blessings like a mighty river over my friend and family today. Lord help us to naturally respond to people with the respect and redemptive attention they need and deserve. Lord help us treat each person we meet as uniquely needing to know Your love and discover Your grace. Lord just as Paul taught Timothy respectful ways to interact with different ages and genders, we ask that the Spirit helps us speak in helpful ways to all. Lord use my friend to be the blessing that someone needs today. Daddy we love you amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!
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