Love and Justice in the Christian Congregation - HOW SHOULD THOSE IN AUTHORITY TREAT OTHERS?

Under the law of the Christ, how should those in authority treat others?  Since live is the foundation of that law, those in authority must dignify those in their care and treat them in a loving way.  They must remember that the way of the Christ is the way of love.

In the family.  a husband is to love his wife "as the Christ does the congregation." (Ephesians 5:25, 28, 29)  A husband must imitate the self-sacrificing  love of Christ by putting his wife's needs and interests ahead of his own. Some men may find it difficult to show such love, perhaps because they were not raised in an environment where treating others fairly and lovingly was valued.  It may be difficult for them to unlearn bad habits, but they must make these changes in order to obey the law of the Christ.  A husband who shows self-sacrificing love gains  his wife's respect. A father who truly loves his children would never abuse the by what he says or does.  (Ephesians 4:31)  Instead, he expresses his love and approval in ways that make his children feel safe and secure. Such a father gains the love and trust of his children.

In the congregation. Elders must remember that the "sheep" do not belong to them.  (John 10:16; read 1 Peter  5:1-3.)  The expressions "flock of God," and God's inheritance remind others that the sheep belong to Jehovah.  He want his sheep to be treated with love and tenderness.  ( 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8)  Elders who lovingly carry out their responsibility as shepherds gain Jehovah's approval. Such elders also gain the love and respect of their brothers and sisters. 

Next time: Love and Justice in the Christian Congregation - Conclusion of HOW SHOULD THOSE IN AUTHORITY TREAT OTHERS?

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