“To be respected is better than having silver and gold” (PROV. 22:1).
1. Why is it so important to feel respected? (Proverbs 22:1).
We all need to feel respected because respect makes us feel valued and recognized as individuals. Jehovah knows that respect gives us dignity and peace. That is why Proverbs 22:1 says that being respected is better than having silver and gold.
Money can buy many things, but it can never buy genuine appreciation. When we are treated with respect, relationships are strengthened and the qualities of our Creator are reflected.
In contrast, disrespect creates hurt feelings and distance. That is why, both in our families and in the congregation, we should strive to treat others as we would like to be treated, thus showing the love that comes from Jehovah.
2, 3. Why is it not always easy to respect others, and what will we see in this article?
Respecting others isn't always easy, because we are all imperfect and live in a world where respect is scarce. Sometimes we see other people's flaws, and that leads us to judge or react badly. But Jehovah teaches us to treat all kinds of people with dignity.
In this study we will learn what it truly means to respect and how to demonstrate it in three important areas: with our family, with our brothers and sisters in the congregation, and with those who are not Witnesses.
We will also see how to maintain respect even when others do not treat us well, remembering that our example can honor Jehovah and reflect his spirit.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO RESPECT OTHERS?
4. What does it mean to respect others?
Respecting others means valuing their dignity and recognizing that they deserve attention, esteem, and good treatment. The Bible links respect with honor. Respect is what we feel for someone, and honor is how we treat them.
If we truly respect someone, we show it with our words and actions, not just outwardly. Jesus taught that sincere honor springs from the heart. So genuine respect doesn't depend on appearances or social standing, but on our love for Jehovah and our desire to reflect his justice and goodness in how we treat everyone.
5. What motivates us to respect others?
We are motivated by love for Jehovah and the desire to please him. We do not respect people only if they earn it, but because Jehovah commands it. He asks us to show respect to everyone, even if they do not act properly, since we are all his creation.
When we treat others with respect, we demonstrate that our love for God is stronger than any human reaction. Joshua 4:14 and 1 Peter 3:15 remind us that respect stems from devotion to Jehovah and awe of him. Thus, every time we show respect to someone, we are actually honoring our God.
6. Is it possible to respect someone who disrespects us? (See also the image).
Yes, it is possible. The examples of Jonathan, Hannah, and Paul prove it. Jonathan continued to honor his father Saul, even though he publicly humiliated him. Hannah responded respectfully to the high priest Eli, even though he unjustly accused her. And Paul treated the Athenians with respect, even though they called him a charlatan.
These Bible examples show that respect does not depend on how we are treated, but on our love for Jehovah and our desire not to displease him. When we let that love guide our reactions, we can maintain a respectful attitude even in difficult circumstances, and that is very pleasing to God.
ILLUSTRATION
Jonathan, Saul and the Israelite soldiers with their swords, spears and shields fighting on a battlefield.
Although his father, King Saul, humiliated him, Jonathan continued to defend and support him. (See paragraph 6.)
LET'S RESPECT OUR FAMILY MEMBERS
7. What things can make it difficult to treat our family with respect?
Treating family with respect can be difficult because we live in close proximity and see both their virtues and flaws. Some family members may have health problems, anxiety, or hurtful attitudes.
Sometimes home, instead of being a haven of peace, becomes a battlefield. But respect, unlike an illness, can be cured. With Jehovah's help, we can control our words and reactions to maintain harmony.
Remembering that we are all imperfect and that each family member has value in God's eyes helps us to maintain respect even in tense moments. When we cultivate this attitude, the home is strengthened and reflects Jehovah's love.
8. Why should we show respect to our family members? (1 Timothy 5:4, 8).
We show respect to our family because it is a way of demonstrating devotion to God. Paul explained that caring for and honoring our family is not only a moral obligation but also an expression of our love for Jehovah.
Since he is the Creator of the family, by treating our relatives with respect we are honoring God himself. When we do this sincerely, even in difficult situations, we show that we value the institution that Jehovah established.
So family respect does not depend on what others do, but on our relationship with Jehovah, who teaches us to treat our family with love, patience and dignity.
9. How can husband and wife treat each other with respect? (See also the pictures.)
A husband shows respect by treating his wife with tenderness and consideration, both in public and in private. He does not humiliate or belittle her, but values her as a gift from Jehovah. A wife, for her part, honors her husband by speaking well of him and avoiding mockery or hurtful words.
Mutual respect strengthens marriage. As one brother related, when his sick wife said harsh things, he remembered 1 Corinthians 13:5 and responded calmly. A sister in Italy also found that surrounding herself with respectful people helped her improve her attitude. Respecting one another not only strengthens a couple's bond but also honors Jehovah, who blesses homes where peace reigns.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
Mutual respect in marriage is shown through kind words and loving actions. The husband values his wife and treats her with tenderness, and the wife honors her husband by speaking well of him. In this way, they both reflect love, strengthen their union, and honor Jehovah, the Creator of the family.
ILLUSTRATION
Image series: A married couple treating each other with respect. 1. The husband speaks affectionately to his wife while they cook together. 2. The wife speaks well of her husband to some guests while he serves food to an older brother.
When we respect our family members, we are honoring Jehovah, the Creator of the family. (See paragraph 9.)
10. How can young people show that they respect their parents?
Young people can show respect by obeying and speaking kindly to their parents. As their parents grow older, children can care for them with love and patience. Even if parents are not Jehovah's Witnesses or do not always act well, Jehovah asks us to honor them.
Like Mary, a young woman who cared for her sick and difficult father, we can ask God for strength to respect our parents, even if they don't change. Respecting our parents doesn't mean condoning their mistakes, but rather acknowledging their position and remembering that honoring them is part of our worship. When young people show respect at home, they demonstrate love for Jehovah and contribute to a more peaceful family environment.
LET US RESPECT OUR BROTHERS
11. Why can we sometimes find it difficult to treat our siblings with respect?
It can be difficult because we are all imperfect. Sometimes brothers and sisters say or do things that hurt us or judge us unfairly. In those situations, the temptation to lose respect for them can arise. But Colossians 3:13 encourages us to bear with one another and to forgive.
Remembering that Jehovah loves each one of them helps us to view them with greater compassion. Instead of focusing on their mistakes, we can appreciate their efforts to serve God. In this way, we maintain peace and prevent resentment from damaging Christian unity, showing the same respect we expect to receive.
12. Why is it important to respect our brothers? (2 Peter 2:9-12).
It is important to respect them, because in doing so we show our respect for Jehovah. Peter explained that even the angels, though perfect, did not speak disrespectfully of arrogant humans. If they, being so superior, acted with humility, we should do so even more.
When we honor our brothers and sisters, especially the elders who lead with love, we show that we value Jehovah’s organization. And if a brother or sister ever mistreats us, we let God be the judge.
Romans 12:10 says that we should take the initiative in showing honor. By doing so, we strengthen unity and reflect the respect we feel for our Heavenly Father.
13, 14. In what ways do we show respect for our brothers and sisters? (See also the pictures.)
Elders show respect by teaching with love, even when they correct. Sisters show respect by avoiding gossip and criticism. And we can all show respect by cooperating with the elders and expressing gratitude for their work in the congregation.
Rocío's story shows that it can sometimes be difficult to respect someone if we feel they haven't treated us well. But by reflecting on 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 and praying, she recognized that pride was preventing her from seeing things with humility. She then understood that respect comes from the heart and requires constant effort.
When we act with modesty, we please Jehovah and strengthen brotherly love in the congregation.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. An older sister reading the Bible and meditating on all that the elders do. 2. An elder giving a talk at a congregation meeting. 3. The same elder helping a brother in a wheelchair. 4. The same elder shoveling snow from the entrance of the Kingdom Hall.
We can all show respect for the elderly by cooperating with them and expressing our appreciation for what they do. (See paragraphs 13 and 14.)
LET US RESPECT THOSE WHO ARE NOT WITNESSES
15. Why can we sometimes find it difficult to treat non-Witnesses with respect?
Sometimes it is difficult to maintain respect towards those who do not share our faith because they may be indifferent, critical or even aggressive at work or at school.
We might have to deal with difficult people or very demanding bosses. If we're not careful, we could lose their respect and react poorly.
But remembering Ephesians 4:18 helps us understand that many act this way because they do not know God. Instead of being offended, we can see them as people who need to learn about Jehovah.
By treating them with dignity and patience, we follow Christ's example and maintain a good conscience before God. Thus, even if they do not notice it, our respect honors Jehovah and can touch their hearts.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
Sometimes it is difficult to respect those who do not share our faith, but we remember that many act this way because they do not know God. By treating them with calmness and dignity, we follow Christ's example and give a good witness. Our respect, even when they do not deserve it, honors Jehovah.
16. Why is it important to respect those who do not yet serve Jehovah? (1 Peter 2:12; 3:15).
It is important to respect them, because Jehovah observes how we treat them. Peter said that our respectful conduct can cause others to glorify God.
When we speak of our faith with gentleness and deep respect, we show that we acknowledge Jehovah's presence and his listening. Even before judges or hostile people, our calm demeanor can open doors for us to bear witness.
By treating non-Witnesses with respect, we reflect the patience and kindness of our God. In this way, we show that we are not trying to win arguments, but rather to honor Jehovah’s name through our speech and actions.
17. In what ways do we show respect for those who are not Witnesses?
We show respect by preaching without arrogance, recognizing that all people are precious to God. If someone insults us, we do not respond with sarcasm or insults.
If we make a mistake, we apologize immediately. At work or school, we show respect by being diligent, honest, and positive, without complaining or speaking ill of others.
Although we may not always please everyone, we strive to please Jehovah by our conduct. This kind of genuine respect can draw people to the truth and give glory to God.
18. Why is it worthwhile to treat others with respect?
It is worthwhile because every time we show respect, we honor Jehovah. When we respect our family, we strengthen our home. When we respect our brothers and sisters, we strengthen the congregation. And when we respect those who are not Witnesses, we give a good witness and may even help them to glorify God.
Even if others don't always treat us well, we follow Christ's example and act with dignity. Jehovah promises to bless those who honor him, so respect will always bring rewards, whether it be inner peace, stronger relationships, or the approval of our heavenly Father.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
How can we show that we respect our family members?
We show that we respect them by treating them with affection and dignity, taking care of them and speaking to them kindly, remembering that by honoring the family we honor Jehovah.
How can we show that we respect our siblings?
We can show it by being humble, avoiding speaking ill of them, and cooperating with the elders. In this way, we reflect the respect we feel for Jehovah and his organization.
How can we show respect for those who are not Witnesses?
We can show it by treating them with courtesy, patience, and mildness, even if they object. Our respectful conduct can help them see Jehovah’s love.
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