Together in Christ: 'Learning to Value All People' — 1 Timothy 5:1-2

As we begin to understand the grace and love of God that save us, especially when we realize that Jesus demonstrated these blessings to us when we were unworthy, ^[1] then we must respond by treating others with gentleness and respect. ^[2] Jesus didn't die for just us; He also died to save those around us. Everyone is someone for whom Christ died, and they should be treated with respect, dignity, and love. ^[3] This is doubly true for those in Jesus' family, the church.

Paul mentored Timothy, his handpicked ministry trainee. Since Timothy had not seen Jesus in person as he grew into early manhood, Paul wanted to give Timothy specific instructions on treating each age group honorably. These verses are some of the ways Paul instructed Timothy. Paul wanted Timothy, as a servant of Christ and minister to Jesus' people, to understand that he must treat everyone in each group with respect and purity. Paul also wanted Timothy to recognize the importance of cultural and biblical expectations for handling himself in different relationships, as Paul also expressed in other letters. ^[4]

Some principles are helpful for us as we look at Paul's instructions and apply them to our relationships:

• We treat each person appropriately, recognizing that each one is special and loved by God.
• We interact with people respectfully, not harshly.
• We treat each other as family members in Jesus' church - fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters.
• We recognize that different situations in life require a different approach for each person.

It's popular in today's Western cultures to claim we treat everyone equally. Treating people fairly and respectfully is essential. But each person, and that person's station in life, need to be considered as we seek to treat each other as fellow members of Jesus' family. Love should flavor each relationship. Propriety and respect should motivate our actions. We must treat each other as Jesus has served and blessed us, and the Lord's attitude, as elaborated in writings to early Christians, ^{[5] should lie behind our every word and action. [6]}