1Timothy 6:1-2 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
‘Servants’ [Greek: douloi] slaves or workers. Christian servants were to treat masters with honour and respect and to bring no reproach upon the cause of Christ. All workers must be treated fairly and kindly.
‘Believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit.’ Christian masters were not to despise their servants for they were brethren and the owners’ equal in Christ (6:2; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11). Slavery is not sanctioned among Christians and everyone must treat others with kindness and respect. The same rules count for us in a working relationship, we need to obey the Word of God in treating others as we want them to treat us (Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:7,8).
From Psalm 15 we have twelve characteristics of the righteous: They walk uprightly – without blame. They work righteousness. They speak the truth inwardly. They are free from backbiting (Ps. 15:3). They do no evil to neighbours. They receive no reproach from neighbours. They hold vile people condemned (Ps. 15:4). They honour them that fear the Lord. They keep their word even to their own hurt. They take no advantage of one in need to increase riches (Ps. 15:5). They refuse bribes. They protect the innocent.
In Matthew 18:23-35 we have a parable that illustrates the necessity of forgiveness and godly treatment of fellow Christians in the kingdom of heaven or realm of the profession in this age.
1John 3:13 warns that the world will hate us and we can not expect better treatment from the world than Abel received from Cain (1John 3:11-12) and in 1Peter 3:14 we have the warning that we will suffer for righteousness’ sake – all sufferings for doing right will work to our good (Rom. 8:28), providing we take the right attitude (Matt. 5:10; Luke 6:22-23).
Living the Word 