RESPECT TO ALL. 1st Timothy 5:2. Older women and their needs should not be dismissed or disdained. Instead, they deserve to be treated with politeness, grace, kindness, and the respect one would naturally show toward his mother. Casual attitudes and familiarity from young people can be demeaning to someone old enough to be a grandmother. Young women should not be harassed or treated with undue familiarity. There are proper behaviors expected from young people when they are together—to look and act in a godly way toward those of the opposite sex. A young man should hold his sisters in Christ with the same honor he gives to his biological sister. Respect, compassion, honesty, and purity should be practiced among the people of God toward each other—and truly, toward everyone.
Neither age, gender, nor social status should influence the respect I have or what I owe to those who know me well. My interest in others, or lack of it, is easily observed by those I live with and fellowship with at the local assembly of believers. Someone leading in spiritual matters won’t find it hard to sense whether I respect them or not, even at their expense. Though they probably won’t demand I obey every wish, they will trust and support me when I trust and respect them.
Friends my own age will test me to see if I care for them as brothers or if I am just like the rest, who consider them a threat and try to put them down. I must show them respect and honor their role as leaders and members of God's family. Some older sisters have much to offer through instruction, common sense, and spiritual discernment. They have learned a lot from the lives they've lived. It is right for me to listen to what they say, acknowledge their wisdom, and honor them.
Younger women deserve to be trusted and treated with proper dignity. Others' words and actions toward them should be pure and Christlike. Excessive familiarity can be seen as disrespect, and anything I might say afterward will likely be rejected. The attitude of believers toward one another is important. Respect is more than just a word; it is shown through my behavior. Every person deserves to be viewed by me through Christlike eyes. My reputation as a child of God often depends on this.