(1 Timothy 5:1-8)
In today’s culture, respect has become a rare and often neglected virtue, yet it remains essential for healthy relationships and a thriving community, particularly within the Church. To respect someone is to recognise their worth, showing esteem based on who they are or what they have accomplished. This attitude is a deliberate choice—an intentional disposition of the heart. As society drifts from traditional values in pursuit of postmodern ideals, the Church is called to reclaim the virtue of respect as a foundational principle of Christian life.
- Older men should be treated as fathers, with honour and dignity. Rather than rebuking or disregarding them, we ought to extend the same respect we have for our own fathers, recognising their experience and wisdom.
- Older women deserve to be regarded as mothers, respected not because they earn it, but as an act of obedience and gratitude for their presence and contributions.
- Younger men are to be treated as brothers, with mutual respect and camaraderie, regardless of differences.
- Younger women must be treated as sisters, with tenderness, care, dignity and genuine love, protecting and cherishing them.
- Widows should be honoured, esteemed highly and cared for, reflecting the Church’s commitment to compassion and practical support.
- Children and grandchildren have a duty of care for their parents and grandparents, embodying family responsibility above reliance on the Church or state.
- Neglecting one’s family is a denial of faith, for true Christianity is evidenced by loving provision and care for those closest to us.
Respect must be actively cultivated in all church relationships. It is a seed, sown through our actions, which will ultimately yield a rich harvest of unity, love and mutual support in the body of Christ. By restoring respect, we demonstrate authentic faith and reflect God’s love in tangible, meaningful ways.
Do to others as you would have them do to you (Luke 6:31).
