HOW TO ELDERS SHOW RESPECT FOR SISTERS? - Continue

 When commending sisters, elders make their comments genuine and specific. Why? A sister named Jessica says: "Itis nice when brothers say to a sister 'good job.' But we especially appreciate it when brothers commend us for something specific, such as teaching our children to sit quietly at the meetings or going out of our way to pick up a Bible student to bring her to the meeting." When elders commend sisters on something specific, they make sisters feel needed and valued in the congregation. 

They listen to sisters. Humble elders recognize that do not have the monopoly on good ideas. Such elders invite sisters to share their suggestions, and they listen carefully when sisters speak. In doing so, elders encourage sisters and benefit themselves.  How? An elder named Gerardo, who serves at Bethel, says: "I have found that sisters for their input helps me do my work more efficiently. Often, they have done the job longer than most brothers." In the congregation, many sisters serve as pioneers, so they know a lot about the people who live in the local area. An elder named Bryan says: "Our sisters have much to offer the organization. so, benefit from their experience!" 

Wise elders are not quick to dismiss the suggestions of sisters. Why? "A sister's opinion and experience ca help a brother to see the entire scope of a matter, and it can help him to develop empathy," says an elder named Edward. (Proverbs 1:5) Even if an elder cannot implement a sister's suggestion, he can still thank her for her observations and acknowledge her insight. 

Next time: HOW DO ELDERS SHOW RESPECT FOR SISTERS? - Conclusion

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