“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).
It's very important to feel respected because we all like it and it makes us happy to be treated with respect. When others treat us with respect and consideration, we feel appreciated and happy.
That is why Proverbs 22:1 states that “being respected is better than having silver and gold,” that is, it is more valuable than having riches, and its positive effect on our lives is much deeper than any material possession.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
As Proverbs 22:1 shows us, being respected is better than having silver and gold. And this brings us joy, security, and dignity.
This paragraph tells us something we should keep in mind: we all need to be respected. It's an inherent need in each of us.
Respect is important because it helps us strengthen family, spiritual, and work relationships. Where there is respect, there is peace. And it's very important, because that's better than having money.
2, 3. Why is it not always easy to respect others, and what will we see in this article?
It is not always easy to respect others because we see their imperfections and we live in a time when respect is scarce. Even so, we want to be respectful because Jehovah asks us to honor “people of all sorts.”
In this article we will see what it means to respect others and how to show respect to family, brothers and sisters and to those who are not Witnesses, especially in difficult situations.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Sometimes it's difficult, because imperfections tend to be more noticeable than positive qualities, and that makes it hard to show respect. Furthermore, in the world we live in, most people don't treat each other with respect, and it's easy for that attitude to influence us.
In this article we will analyze what it means to respect others and how we can demonstrate this quality in various aspects: in the family, with siblings and with those who are not Witnesses.
It is Jehovah who asks us to treat others with respect; it is not something that depends solely on our preferences. We may feel respect for some people more than for others, but if Jehovah commands us to respect everyone, we must obey. Otherwise, we risk losing his approval.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO RESPECT OTHERS?
4. What does it mean to respect others?
Respecting others involves how we see a person. By respecting others, we consider them as someone who deserves our attention and esteem, often because of their qualities, achievements, or position.
Honor—which in the Bible is linked to respect—is reflected in how we treat a person. We honor others by treating them with dignity and in a way that shows we value them. For that treatment to be sincere, it must come from the heart.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Respect is to commend someone's position by showing our esteem. However, in 1 Peter 2:17 we are encouraged to honor, in addition to respecting, all kinds of people, and also to fear God. For honor, to be sincere, must come from the heart; otherwise, it is not genuine.
While respect is our perception of a person, honor is its practice: the way we treat them and the actions that demonstrate our value to them. And it must be sincere. As Matthew 15:8 shows, when it's just lip service, everyone notices; but when it's sincere and comes from the heart, it's also noticeable.
This paragraph highlights a fundamental point: respect originates in the heart and in how we see others. Therefore, the first thing we must do is examine our own hearts, since respect and love for others arise from them.
Respecting others ultimately means seeing people as Jehovah sees them, and honoring them means acting or doing what Jesus would do. In this way, we not only treat others better and make them feel good, but we also become that improved version of ourselves that pleases Jehovah, and we can become true messengers of peace for the congregation and for our family.
5. What motivates us to respect others?
Our desire to obey and please Jehovah motivates us to respect others. Although some people only respect those who “earn it,” we, as God’s servants, understand that respect does not depend on what others do, but on something far more important: our love for Jehovah and our desire to please him. That is why we respect everyone, including those in authority, just as he commands.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We are motivated by the knowledge that Jehovah wants us to respect others. Romans 13:1 tells us to submit to authority, because there is no authority except that which God has established. So it is Jehovah himself who is instructing us to respect these authorities, and because we want to please Jehovah, we desire to obey him.
We might inwardly make the excuse, "I don't respect him because he doesn't deserve it or because he hasn't earned it." But in reality, that's like blaming someone else. As we have seen, since it is something Jehovah asks of us, it depends solely on us.
The command to honor and respect superior authorities is very interesting, especially since, in many cases, governments do not act properly. They may misuse their money, buying weapons or other resources for purposes contrary to Jehovah's will. However, the Bible clearly states that we must respect them.
We have the example of the nation of Israel, which respected Joshua just as it had respected Moses. And, although Joshua had not yet led them and they did not know how he would do so, they understood that Jehovah wanted them to respect him, and so they did.
Our respect does not depend on what others do, but on the relationship each one has with Jehovah.
It motivates us to reflect that if Jehovah asks us to respect those in authority, even if they are people who do not love him and do not act rightly, how can we not respect our brothers and sisters who do love Jehovah and accompany us every day? Therefore, in one way or another, we must strive to respect them all.
6. Is it possible to respect someone who disrespects us? (See also the image).
Yes, it is possible to respect someone who disrespects us. Bible examples show this: Jonathan respected Saul even though Saul humiliated him, Hannah responded respectfully to High Priest Eli despite his accusation that she was drunk, and Paul treated the men of Athens with respect even though they insulted him. These accounts show that deep love for Jehovah and a desire not to displease him can motivate us to maintain respect even in difficult situations.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We know that it is possible to respect someone who disrespects us. Jehovah gave the Bible the example of Jonathan and how his father, King Saul, humiliated him. But Jonathan continued to respect his father and fought alongside him until the day he died.
We can see in Acts 17:18 how some men from Athens called Paul a babbler. The study note explains that, with this comment, these men were disparagingly calling Paul ignorant, that is, someone who talked just for the sake of talking. However, Paul did not respond in kind, but calmly spoke to them and preached to them respectfully.
The paragraph mentions the case of Hannah, whom the priest Eli accused of being drunk. She was praying, yet she did not respond in kind. Although the whole nation of Israel was gossiping about what her sons were doing, she did not use that as an excuse, but treated him with respect.
These examples show us that it is possible, although difficult, to respect someone who does not treat us with respect. What motivates us is love for Jehovah and the fear of displeasing him.
Jonathan was respectful to his father, Saul, even though Saul had humiliated him. He surely kept in mind what is recorded at Exodus 20:12, which states that you must honor your father and mother so that you may live a long life. Out of love for Jehovah and respect for his father, Jonathan chose to do so.
The image shows Jonathan fighting alongside his father, Saul, likely one of the last times they were together, as the biblical account states they died in the same battle. It must have been incredibly difficult for Jonathan to maintain that respect for his father, who had humiliated him, insulted him, and even nearly killed him with a spear for defending David. Jonathan's steadfastness serves as a powerful example for everyone.
The examples in this paragraph remind us that if they were able to maintain respect despite the difficulties, we can too. The important thing is to keep in mind the motivation of wanting to please Jehovah.
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 our family with respect can be difficult for several reasons. Because we spend so much time together, we know both their strengths and weaknesses, and this can create tension. Furthermore, some family members may be ill, suffer from anxiety, or say and do hurtful things. In other cases, there may be a constant lack of respect, turning the home into a place of conflict instead of a peaceful haven. All of these factors complicate living together and make maintaining respect a challenge.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Sometimes, knowing both our strengths and weaknesses makes it harder to show respect. We also have to deal with difficult situations, such as illness or a family member who treats us disrespectfully or says hurtful things. It's in these moments that demonstrating respect becomes most challenging.
When we don't know someone well, we tend to choose our words more carefully. However, as trust grows, we might even think we have the right to say anything without thinking. This, combined with the fact that knowing someone well makes us notice flaws we wouldn't otherwise perceive, can make communication hurtful and even lead us to normalize it. Therefore, it's a mistake we must avoid.
Disrespect affects relationships. Just as arthritis causes physical pain and difficulty moving, disrespect within a family strains relationships between its members. However, there is an important difference: while arthritis may be incurable, disrespect is not, so we can do something about it.
This lack of respect makes the home not a haven of peace, but a battlefield, and things don't work well in the family.
When it is said that disrespect can be cured, one wonders: what is the cure? The resources that Jehovah makes available to us offer advice on what we can do.
8. Why should we show respect to our family members? (1 Timothy 5:4, 8).
We should show respect to our family members because doing so is part of our devotion to God. According to 1 Timothy 5:4, 8, caring for and honoring our family is not only a moral obligation but also a way of demonstrating our love for Jehovah. He is the Creator of the family, so when we treat our loved ones with honor, we are actually honoring God. This is a very important reason to show respect to our family members.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because Jehovah wants us to treat everyone with respect, and we should not view this as a mere obligation, but as an essential part of our devotion to Jehovah, since he is the Creator of the family. We should see it as part of our worship of him, because by honoring our family members, we are honoring him directly.
At 1 Timothy 5:4 we are instructed that we must first learn to show devotion to God in our own homes, honoring our parents and grandparents by “paying them what we owe them.” Jehovah asks this of us, and it is also a way of showing that we love him, that we want to do what he commands, and that this is part of our worship of him.
9. How can husband and wife treat each other with respect? (See also the pictures.)
Husbands and wives can treat each other with respect in several ways. A husband shows respect when he values his wife both in public and in private, never humiliates or mistreats her, and strives to speak to her calmly and with dignity even when the situation is difficult.
For her part, the wife shows respect to her husband by speaking well of him to others and avoiding sarcasm, mockery, and hurtful comments. Both attitudes strengthen the marriage and reflect consideration, patience, and true love.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A husband who honors his wife demonstrates this both in public and in private. It is also stated that he should not hit her, humiliate her, or make her feel worthless.
In the case of wives, Ephesians 5:33 urges them to have deep respect for their husbands. This respect can be shown in many ways. One of them is speaking well of their husbands, saying positive things about them to others, because in this way we ensure that both our children and other people also value and respect him.
One way to show respect is to avoid hurtful words, sarcasm, or mockery, as these can act like rust and corrode a marriage, as mentioned in the paragraph.
A brother shares that his wife, due to an illness, sometimes says things that hurt him. He could become defensive, but he chooses to be empathetic, to put himself in his wife's shoes, and to remember that what she says doesn't reflect her true feelings but is a consequence of her illness. He also keeps in mind, as 1 Corinthians 13:5 indicates, that he should not be easily irritated. This helps him remain calm and treat his wife with respect, even when she speaks rudely to him because of her circumstances.
In the image on the left, we see a married couple: the husband is speaking affectionately to his wife while helping her cook. In the second image, the food they have prepared is for guests; it can be assumed that the wife is speaking well of her husband to the guests and that the husband is attending to an elderly brother. These are ways of showing respect in marriage.
Sometimes we can be disrespectful through our actions, but also by neglecting certain things. For example, the Bible teaches us to value our wives. Are we truly valuing them, or are we neglecting them? Sometimes we simply don't speak well of them, or, in the case of wives, we don't speak well of our husbands to others. Respect is shown in the way we treat each other day after day.
The point made at the end of the paragraph is very important, because disrespect can also be contagious. Depending on who we're with, what we see or hear can "catch a chord" with us. That's why it's important to surround ourselves with people who demonstrate respect.
The fact is that Jehovah has given us standards and guidelines found in the Bible. Therefore, if each of us fulfills our role as Jehovah has established, even though we may be imperfect, many problems in the family would be avoided.
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 for their parents by obeying them, speaking to them respectfully, and taking care of them when they begin to need more attention. They also show respect by honoring them even if their parents have flaws or don't always treat them well.
Maria's example shows that we should ask Jehovah for help and remember that honoring our parents demonstrates respect for him, the Creator of the family. This can give young people the strength to continue respecting their parents in any situation.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Ephesians 6:1-3 gives us the answer. It says that we should obey our parents and treat them with respect. As our parents grow older, their needs will change; therefore, we should do our best to properly meet their needs and those that may arise later.
Exodus 21:17 says, “Anyone who curses his father or his mother must be put to death.” This shows that in ancient times this issue was considered very important and was strictly enforced.
Maria, who cared for her non-Witness father, shared her experience that Jehovah asked her not only to help him but also to respect him and be able to show it. Perhaps her father was very demanding, but she knew that respecting him was not just an obligation but also a sincere feeling she should demonstrate.
Maria's example shows that Jehovah asks us to honor our parents, especially when they are older and circumstances make caring for them more difficult. However, we are assured that Jehovah will give us the strength we need to fulfill this command.
The honor young people show their parents can change their parents' attitude toward them, but, as in Maria's case, she eventually understood that she should respect her father even if he didn't change the way he treated her. We must keep in mind that honoring and respecting our parents is not just about making ourselves feel good or pleasing our family members, but about showing respect to Jehovah, who is the Creator of the family.
LET US RESPECT OUR BROTHERS
11. Why can we sometimes find it difficult to treat our siblings with respect?
It can be difficult to treat our brothers and sisters with respect because, although they strive to live by what the Bible says, they can sometimes be unkind, judge us unfairly, or do things that irritate us. When we feel we have reason to complain about someone, maintaining respect can become a real challenge.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because, although our brothers and sisters strive to put into practice what they learn from the Bible, they are still imperfect. This means that, at times, they may not be kind to us, may judge us unfairly, or may irritate us.
Colossians 3:13 advises us to be patient and tolerant of what bothers us about others. Following this advice will help us avoid taking offense at trivial matters and harboring resentment.
Sometimes we think we have many reasons not to respect our brothers and sisters. That's why it's important to put Colossians 3:13 into practice, even though it isn't always easy. Even if we have reasons to complain, we must continue to show them respect.
12. Why is it important to respect our brothers? (2 Peter 2:9-12).
It is important to respect our brothers and sisters because, as the example at 2 Peter 2:9-12 shows, even angels—being perfect—avoid speaking offensively or disrespectfully and leave it to Jehovah to judge. If they show such respect, we should too, especially when it comes to our brothers and sisters. When we honor them and avoid judging or speaking ill of them, we demonstrate respect for Jehovah, who asks us to take the initiative in honoring them.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
If Jehovah asks us to respect even those who persecute us, then we should all the more respect our brothers and sisters. In fact, Romans 12:10 says that we should take the initiative in honoring them and showing them affection.
It is important to respect our brothers and sisters because we will all have to give an account to the Supreme Judge, Jehovah. Jude 9 describes a disagreement that Michael the archangel had with the Devil regarding the body of Moses. It even says that he did not dare to condemn him with offensive words, but simply said: “May Jehovah rebuke you.” We should imitate the angels, who also display a humble attitude.
Because Jehovah commands us to respect everyone, including those who treat us badly. Therefore, all the more reason to show respect to our brothers and sisters, because by doing so we also show respect to Jehovah.
In 2 Peter 2:9-12, we see that some first-century Christians spoke disrespectfully of the elders. However, the angels, witnessing this, did not say anything offensive against them, because they trusted that Jehovah would judge and rebuke them. This shows us how important respect is, since showing disrespect can lead to destructive consequences. Therefore, we should take the importance of showing respect very seriously, just as the angels did.
It is important to respect our brothers because we want to honor one another. Moreover, we should take the initiative in doing so. As Romans 12:10 says: “Show brotherly affection to one another; take the initiative to honor one another.”
We have the example of the angels and of Jesus himself, beings superior to us, who, even when speaking with people who opposed Jehovah, always showed them respect. This teaches us that if we should follow their example and respect those who do not support Jehovah's will, we should do so even more with our brothers and sisters. Therefore, no matter what they do to us, they always deserve our respect.
13, 14. In what ways do we show respect for our brothers and sisters? (See also the pictures.)
Elders can show respect by teaching with love and, when it is necessary to correct someone, doing so with kindness and without letting frustration get the better of them.
The sisters—and indeed everyone—show respect by avoiding speaking ill of others, which helps to maintain an atmosphere of peace and unity in the congregation.
We all show respect for the elders when we appreciate and support the work they do in conducting meetings, organizing the preaching work, and helping those who need encouragement or correction.
As in Rocío's case, we show greater respect for our siblings when we recognize that our own attitudes, such as pride, can hinder our relationships. Prayer, reflection, and humility help us to change and show genuine respect.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We can all show respect to the elderly by cooperating with them and expressing our appreciation for what they do.
Elders are asked to always teach in love. Philemon 1:8-9 says that although Paul had the right to command Philemon to do what was right, he preferred to plead with him out of love. So this should always be the guiding principle for elders when helping a brother: even though they have some authority over him, love should be what motivates them to want to help him.
Sisters can also contribute greatly to fostering respect in the congregation; for example, by avoiding gossip and slander. This will help the entire congregation remain united and respect one another.
Sister Rocío, mentioned in the paragraph, commented that she tried to hide her feelings outwardly, but that internally her motives weren't right. She read 1 Timothy, which states that we should show high regard for others, and realized that she didn't feel that way. It's good that she recognized this and took action to correct her feelings.
We can show that we respect the elders, in addition to cooperating with them, by taking into account what 1 Timothy 5:17 says: that the elders who direct the congregation well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at teaching and speaking.
Sister Rocío mentions that, upon realizing she needed to change her attitude, the first thing she needed was to be more humble. Secondly, she points out that it is necessary to constantly work on this, because even if one begins to change, one must continue improving. Finally, she comments that this is what gives her peace before Jehovah: that He sees her effort and dedication.
In the picture, we see a sister reflecting on all the work an elder does, but we could all do the same with all the brothers and sisters in the congregation. They all work hard to attend meetings, prepare comments and assignments, and surely they face many difficulties in life. If we consider all the effort they make to remain steadfast before Jehovah, we will certainly respect them.
Sister Rocío explained that she took action: she looked for information in publications to see how she could readjust her perspective, and thanks to that, she realized her shortcomings. We can also observe the example of so many brothers and sisters who, on a daily basis, show respect to others. In this way, all together we contribute to an atmosphere of respect that fosters an environment of profound love.
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?
It can be difficult to treat non-Witnesses with respect because, in the preaching, many people show no interest in God or the Bible, and some even reject our message because of beliefs they have held since childhood.
Furthermore, in daily life we may encounter bosses, teachers, or colleagues who are very strict, demanding, or difficult to deal with. Over time, these situations can cause us to lose respect for them and make it difficult for us to treat them the way we would like to be treated.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Some refuse to listen during preaching and react badly, or perhaps we have to deal with cold or demanding people, making it difficult to respect them with humility.
The paragraph mentions that we won't stop respecting these people overnight. We may gradually lose respect for them without realizing it. Therefore, it is very important to study the Bible to see what we can do and take action. This means that, at all times and in difficult circumstances, we must strive to respect them, because in this way we are also honoring Jehovah.
In the end, the paragraph says that we should "treat them as we would like to be treated." That is, the measure doesn't depend on how they treat us, since respect is sometimes lacking. But if we maintain a high standard, however difficult it may be, respect will continue to prevail.
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 those who do not yet serve Jehovah because he observes how we treat everyone, even those who do not share our faith. According to 1 Peter 2:12 and 3:15, our respectful conduct can positively influence them and even lead them to glorify God.
Therefore, when we explain or defend our beliefs, we should do so with gentleness and deep respect, as if Jehovah were present, since he sees and hears everything. This is a powerful reason to show respect to those who do not yet serve Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because it is something that Jehovah requires of us, since he sees it as an opportunity so that, in the future, thanks to our conduct, they may give him glory and accept the truth.
We respect those who do not yet serve Jehovah because our actions show who our God is, and at the same time, we avoid causing them to stumble. Most importantly, we open the possibility that, in the future, these people will accept the truth and honor Jehovah.
We must not allow the harshness of this world or of other people to mold our hearts; we want Jehovah to mold them. Therefore, maintaining this respect, even in adverse circumstances, is a challenge, but it is an act of worship to Jehovah. This gentleness and capacity to respect others molds our hearts and enables us to respect even those who mistreat us.
In this paragraph, we find the perfect antidote to striving to treat others with respect, even if they treat us badly. If we view the situation as if Jehovah and Christ were present, and also take into account everything we say and do, it will surely be easier for us to think carefully about what we are going to say and even to treat others well, even if they do not treat us well.
17. In what ways do we show respect for those who are not Witnesses?
We demonstrate humility in preaching by not seeking to appear superior because we know more about the Bible. Rather, we remember that people are precious to God and consider them more important than ourselves.
Avoiding responding with insults if someone insults us for our beliefs and resisting the urge to reply sarcastically or hurtfully. If we say something inappropriate unintentionally, we apologize immediately.
In the workplace, we demonstrate respect by being good workers, being diligent, focusing on the positive aspects of our colleagues and bosses, and maintaining a cooperative attitude.
By being honest and working wholeheartedly, we show that we respect others, even if they don't always agree with us. In this way, we may not please everyone, but we do please Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In our preaching, we don't want to appear superior to others, but rather to acknowledge their value. As Haggai 2:7 says, Jehovah is choosing the valuable things of the nations to bring into his people. So the people to whom we are preaching are precisely those valuable things.
If someone goes so far as to insult us because of our beliefs, we must resist the urge to respond in kind and even avoid a sarcastic reply. In fact, 1 Peter 2:23 shows us the example of Jesus, who, when insulted, did not return the insults. Even when he suffered at the hands of such people, he did not threaten them, but instead entrusted everything to “the One who judges righteously.” That should also be our attitude: letting Jehovah judge everything.
Because of our imperfection, we may have said something we shouldn't have, but that respect leads us to apologize immediately, and in this way the other person receives respect and due honor.
1 Peter 2:23 says: “When they were insulting him, he did not return the insults. When he was suffering, he did not threaten them.” So, by following Jesus’ example and showing respect for those who are not Witnesses, even in adverse circumstances, we are pleasing Jehovah.
18. Why is it worthwhile to treat others with respect?
It is worthwhile to treat others with respect because, by respecting our family members and our spiritual family, we honor Jehovah. Furthermore, we help others to glorify God, since our respectful conduct can positively influence those who are not Witnesses.
By treating others with respect, we receive blessings from Jehovah, who promises to honor those who honor him, even if some people do not show us respect. In short, respect benefits others, honors God, and brings us blessings.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because Jehovah expects all of us to treat others with respect, just as we like to be treated with respect. Therefore, in every area of life, treating others with respect will not only please Jehovah but will also bring good consequences.
Because in this way we glorify Jehovah, since our respectful conduct can positively influence those who listen to us. This will please Jehovah and may give them the opportunity to become part of his people.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
How can we show that we respect our family members?
We must remember that honoring our family members is a way of honoring Jehovah, and we should view respect for family as part of our devotion to God, which motivates us to act with patience and love.
Showing respect for our family members involves kind treatment, care, patience, and constant appreciation, even in the face of difficulties or flaws, seeing this as a way of honoring God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A husband shows respect to his wife by demonstrating appreciation to her both in public and in private, avoiding hitting, humiliating her, or saying things that make her feel bad.
The wife shows respect to her husband by speaking respectfully and kindly, avoiding insults, mockery, sarcasm, or offensive names, and striving to communicate in a calm and understanding manner.
We show respect for our parents by obeying and honoring them by speaking to them respectfully, helping them, and showing consideration for their well-being, even if they don't change how they treat us. Furthermore, we should take good care of them, especially if they have illnesses, anxiety, or require more help as they age.
In the case of wives, to honor their husbands they must always speak well of them, avoiding sarcasm, mockery, offensive names and insults, since these attitudes are like rust that corrodes marriage.
In the case of husbands, they should speak well of their wives, not only in private, but also in public, avoiding hitting, insulting or belittling their wives; on the contrary, they should treat them with affection.
How can we show that we respect our siblings?
We can show that we respect our brothers and sisters by being kind and considerate to them, avoiding gossip, slander, and unfair criticism, cooperating with the elders, and showing appreciation for their work.
It also involves being humble, controlling frustration, and striving to apply Bible counsel, even when it is difficult, remembering that respecting our brothers is a way of honoring Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Appreciating their fine qualities and thanking them for what they do. Also, the elders should always strive to treat the brothers with love; the sisters can contribute significantly by avoiding spreading gossip or slander; and all of us should respect the decisions made in the congregation, always motivated by love and, a very important factor, humility.
How can we show respect for those who are not Witnesses?
We can show respect to non-Witnesses by treating them with kindness, being humble, and avoiding giving the impression that we are superior. This includes speaking gently, not responding with sarcasm or insults, and apologizing if we make mistakes.
In addition, we should be diligent and honest at work or school, and focus on the positive qualities of others. By doing so, we show that we value people and honor Jehovah, even if they do not always treat us with respect.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We will not give the impression of being superior to them in terms of preaching, nor of giving a clever answer to make the person look bad, but we must try to win them over, always leaving the truth in a good place.
We show respect for non-Witnesses by acting with humility, consideration, kindness, and patience, avoiding any prideful attitude. This reflects the spirit of Christ in our lives.
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