1-2Don't be harsh or impatient with an older man. Talk to him as you would your own father, and to the younger men as your brothers. Reverently honor an older woman as you would your mother, and the younger women as sisters. (The Message)
Respect seems like such an easy thing but yet it also seems to be in such short supply these days. Apparently there were days and places where respect was common and assumed, at least that is what I'm told by some. However if it was so common why is it that Paul needs to remind Timothy that this is the way that he should treat others? One way or another Paul finds it necessary to set before Timothy a standard to live by. The standard is that of a family who treats one another with kindness and respect. This isn't the Simpson's or any of a number of families that we witness on our TV's or in movies. This model of family love and respect is one that is not sappy or false but rather genuine and real. It is a family model where each of us could find a place and feel loved and cherished.
Maybe you don't have that kind of a family. Maybe you have never felt this kind of respect given to you or have never had anyone you felt like you could give the respect to in your life. What ever our past history and experience might be it is never to late to learn and begin practicing Christ's love given to others around us. It is not just in words but the words we speak are important. It is time that followers of Jesus began to set the example of respect given to any all of those we meet.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- What do you know about the ways people of Paul and Timothy's day might have interacted across social and gender lines?
- Who do you know who treats others with the most consistent respect? What is significant about them?
- What have you had modeled for you in the way you should treat others?
- Who do you need to begin treating with more respect so as to honor Jesus more fully?
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