Showing Honor In Our Day

God's Word counsels: "In showing honor to one another take the lead." (Romans 12:10) This means that we should not wait for others to show honor to us first, but we should take the initiative. "Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person." (1Corinthians 10:24; 1Peter 3:8, 9) Thus, Jehovah's servants look for opportunities to show honor to those in the family circle, to fellow Christians in the congregation, and even to those outside the congregation.

The Bible states: "The head of every man is the Christ; in turn the head of a woman is the man." (1Corinthians 11:3) Jehovah obligates the man to treat his wife as Christ did the congregation. At 1 Peter 3:7, the husband is directed to assign his wife "honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one." He can do this by displaying a genuine willingness to listen and by taking his wife's suggestions into consideration. (Genesis 21:12) He may give her first choice when no issue is at stake, and he does things for her and treats her kindly. In turn, "the wife should have deep respect for her husband." (Ephesians 5:33) She listens to him, does not always strive to get her way, does not belittle or nag him. She shows lowliness of mind by not trying to dominate her husband, even when she has superior abilities in certain areas.

Within the Christian congregation, there are those who are particularly worthy of honor, such as older ones. "Before gray hair you should rise up, and you must show consideration for the person of an old man [or, woman]." (Leviticus 19:32) This is especially the case with those who have served Jehovah faithfully for many years because "gray-headedness is a crown of beauty when it is found in the way of righteousness." (Proverbs 16:31) Overseers should set the example by showing due regard for fellow Christians who are older than they are. Of course, aged ones too need to display a respectful attitude toward younger ones, especially those who share the responsibility of shepherding the flock.- 1Peter 5:2, 3.

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