Let us view women as Jehovah does
1, 2. How are many women viewed and treated today?
Answer 1: Many women do not receive the love and respect they deserve, even within their own family. Some grow up knowing that their parents would have preferred a son, and they receive little affection or attention. Others suffer serious abuse. This helps us understand that the problem is not limited to mistaken opinions: such ideas can cause great suffering and deeply affect those who endure them.
Answer 2: In some cultures, men are assumed to be superior to women. The circuit overseer in Bolivia explains that some have grown up in a very macho environment and are convinced of this supposed superiority. This reminds us that an idea may seem normal simply because we have heard it since childhood. But the fact that an opinion is widespread does not mean that it is correct or that it justifies treating anyone as inferior.
Answer 3: Many women are not given the value their opinions deserve. The elder in Taiwan comments that some men feel that women should not interfere in their affairs. It may even be frowned upon for a man to take into account what a woman says. Thus, disrespect is not always shown by obvious mistreatment; it also appears when women’s ideas are belittled or they are denied the opportunity to contribute.
3. What must a brother do to correct a wrong view of women? (Ephesians 4:22-24)
Ephesians 4:22-24 — You were taught to put away the old personality that conforms to your former course of conduct and that is being corrupted according to its deceptive desires. And you should continue to be made new in your dominant mental attitude, and should put on the new personality that was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.
Answer 1: The brother needs to change his way of thinking, not merely correct a few words. Ephesians shows that putting on the new personality involves abandoning former attitudes. This includes replacing learned prejudices with the respectful and loving way in which Jehovah views women.
Answer 2: First, he must recognize that his culture may have influenced him more than he realizes. Being a Christian does not automatically remove every idea one learned while growing up. So it is good to ask whether his way of speaking and acting truly reflects respect. Recognizing a wrong attitude need not discourage him; it is the first step toward correcting it and learning to view women as Jehovah does.
Answer 3: He must allow Jehovah to teach him how to treat women. The paragraph highlights two inseparable qualities: love and respect. It would not be enough to avoid offensive expressions if inwardly he continued to consider women inferior. The change must reach his opinions and feelings, so that considerate treatment is not merely a formality but the result of sincerely valuing the sisters.
4. How does Jehovah view women?
2 Corinthians 6:18 — “‘And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.”
Answer 1: Jehovah views his female servants as beloved daughters. The family relationship described in this passage conveys affection and closeness, not inferiority. Therefore, when dealing with a sister, a Christian man should remember how highly Jehovah values her. The way he listens to her and speaks to her should reflect respect for someone whom our heavenly Father deeply loves.
Answer 2: He views them with the affection of a compassionate Father. The paragraph emphasizes that Jehovah loves all his children, so his female servants do not occupy a place of lesser value in his affection. This helps us understand that respecting women is much more than following a rule of good manners. It means learning to feel toward them the appreciation due to people who are very dear to Jehovah.
Answer 3: Jehovah is the perfect model of how to view and treat women. Cultural opinions may be wrong, but his way of acting always reflects love and respect. Therefore, if a brother discovers a difference between what he learned from childhood and Jehovah’s example, he should use Jehovah as his standard. What matters is not defending a custom but learning to imitate our Father.
5. How do we know that Jehovah has no prejudice against women? (Galatians 3:26-29)
Genesis 1:27 — And God went on to create the man in his image, in God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.
Answer 1: Jehovah created both man and woman with the ability to reflect his qualities. Therefore, there is no basis for thinking that women have less value in his eyes. This truth should influence how we treat them: we should recognize their qualities and abilities instead of judging them by general ideas or prejudices about women.
Answer 2: We know this because Jehovah did not make men more intelligent or give them greater abilities than women. Both have the capacity to understand Bible truths. Therefore, a brother should not assume that a sister will understand less or have less to contribute. Viewing her as Jehovah does means recognizing her abilities and respectfully listening to what she has learned and what she can teach by her example.
Answer 3: A very clear proof is that Jehovah considers the faith of women just as valuable as that of men. He has given both the hope of living forever on earth or of ruling in heaven. The paragraph’s explanation of Galatians shows that being a woman does not prevent one from receiving those blessings. Jehovah does not favor men because they are men; he values the faith of his servants.
6. How do we know that Jehovah cares about women’s feelings and problems?
Genesis 30:22 — Finally God remembered Rachel, and God heard and answered her by enabling her to become pregnant.
Answer 1: Jehovah listened to Rachel’s prayers and answered them. The paragraph also mentions Hannah, who expressed her deep distress to him. These accounts show that the feelings of his female servants truly matter to him. To imitate him, brothers need to listen with interest, without minimizing a problem simply because they have not personally experienced it.
Answer 2: Jehovah not only listens to women but also teaches men to do so. One example is that he instructed Abraham to listen to Sarah. This shows that taking a wife’s words into account is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, a husband who listens respectfully is willing to learn and follow the way of acting that Jehovah approves.
Answer 3: The account of David and Abigail is another proof. David listened to her words and recognized that Jehovah had sent her to speak with him. He did not reject her advice because it came from a woman. The fact that Jehovah preserved this account in his Word teaches us something important: a sister can help us see a matter more sensibly. To benefit from her contribution, we need to listen humbly.
7. What evidence do we have that Jehovah trusts women? (See also the picture.)
Genesis 1:28 — Further, God blessed them, and God said to them: “Be fruitful and become many, fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving on the earth.”
Answer 1: Jehovah gave that responsibility to Adam and Eve, not just to Adam. This shows that he viewed Eve as a capable partner who could collaborate in carrying out the assignment. The picture, in which both of them are shown carrying out activities in the garden, helps us remember that Jehovah also placed confidence in her.
Answer 2: Jehovah placed confidence in Deborah and Huldah by using them as prophetesses. He assigned them to convey guidance to his people, even to a judge and a king. This shows that he did not view women as incapable of carrying out important tasks. These examples help us examine any prejudice that might lead us to underestimate their abilities. If Jehovah placed confidence in them, we should respectfully recognize what our sisters can contribute.
Answer 3: Today we see that confidence in the work of our sisters as publishers, pioneers, and missionaries. Jehovah has given them an important share in proclaiming the good news. This is not an insignificant contribution: The article describes them as a large army that he uses to accomplish his will. Recognizing their efforts helps us appreciate more the sisters with whom we go out in the ministry.
8. How can a brother know whether he has the right view of women?
Answer 1: He can examine himself regularly with the help of God’s Word. He should not assume that all his opinions are correct just because he does not consider himself a disrespectful person. The paragraph shows that some wrong ideas may be hidden in the heart. Comparing what he thinks and does with what the Bible teaches will enable him to discover aspects that he needs to change in order to view the sisters as Jehovah does.
Answer 2: A mature friend can help him detect attitudes that he himself does not perceive. At times we know our intentions, but we do not clearly see how our words affect others. So it is valuable to listen to someone who has spiritual maturity and knows us well. His help may enable us to recognize a wrong idea before we continue repeating it or continue treating a sister with less consideration than she deserves.
Answer 3: The comparison to an X-ray machine highlights that we need to look beyond what is visible on the outside. A brother may appear polite and still harbor prejudices within. The Bible and the help of a mature friend make it possible to detect such ideas. The purpose of the examination is not to become discouraged, but to identify what he needs to correct so that both his feelings and his conduct reflect genuine respect.
9. What should a brother do if someone tells him that he needs to improve the way he treats women?
Proverbs 18:17 — The first to state his case seems right, Until the other party comes and cross-examines him.
Answer 1: He should listen before defending his point of view. This proverb reminds us that our first impression of a matter may be incomplete. Perhaps the brother thinks that he treats women well, but someone else has observed something that he needs to correct. Listening humbly will help him see himself more clearly and make the necessary changes.
Answer 2: He should not take offense or become defensive. If he asked for a sincere opinion, he needs to be willing to accept an answer that he may not have expected. The paragraph advises making the necessary changes willingly. Therefore, instead of focusing on justifying his intentions, he can think about what has been pointed out to him and how to improve. In this way he shows that his desire to respect the sisters is stronger than his desire to be right.
Answer 3: It would be helpful for him to speak with someone mature, reasonable, and well acquainted with him. If he is married, his wife can help him greatly, because she probably knows his way of acting better than anyone else. He can also turn to another brother or sister who has spiritual maturity. The important thing is to ask not only whether he appears respectful, but whether the sisters feel respected. That difference can help him discover specific improvements in the way he treats them.
10. What else will help a brother have the right view of women? (Hebrews 4:12)
Hebrews 4:12 — For the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints from the marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Answer 1: Studying the Bible will help him recognize thoughts that he needs to correct. This passage shows that God’s Word reaches into our intentions. So when reading it, it is not enough to think about what others should change; we must compare our own attitudes with what Jehovah teaches.
Answer 2: It will help him to observe the men in the Bible accounts and ask himself whom he resembles. Some treated women well and others did not. Studying those examples allows the reading to become a personal examination. Rather than merely approving or disapproving of what those men did, the brother can consider whether he listens to, values, and respects women in the way Jehovah expects.
Answer 3: It is essential to investigate the context of the verses. If someone takes an isolated expression to defend an idea he already held, he could end up using the Bible to support a prejudice. The paragraph encourages us to do the opposite: study carefully and allow the context to correct our opinion. The goal is not to find a justification for thinking as we always have, but to understand well what Jehovah wants to teach us.
11, 12. Why should the elders commend the sisters?
Answer 1: Because they have the responsibility to set a good example in the way they treat others, including the sisters. Commending them is a way to express respect and appreciation. The elders do not want the sisters to have to assume that their efforts are valued; with sincere words, they can let them know that they recognize what they do and appreciate their contribution to the congregation.
Answer 2: Commending the sisters enables the elders to show by their words that they value them. The paragraph emphasizes that the elders should be an example of good treatment. This does not consist merely of avoiding harsh or disparaging words. It also includes expressing positive feelings. When they sincerely recognize a sister’s efforts, they make their appreciation visible and help her feel respected in the congregation.
Answer 3: They should do so because their example shows the congregation how to treat the sisters. If the elders sincerely express appreciation for them, they demonstrate that the sisters deserve recognition and respect. Thus, giving commendation is not an insignificant detail in their responsibilities. It is an opportunity to put into practice the considerate treatment that they themselves want to encourage among all the brothers and sisters.
13. Why is it good for elders to be specific when praising the sisters? (See also the picture).
Answer 1: Because specific praise has a deeper effect: It shows that the elder has truly noticed the sister’s effort. Jessica mentions, for example, teaching her children to sit quietly during the meetings. Recognizing something like that makes her feel that her work has not gone unnoticed. It is not a matter of looking for complicated words, but of sincerely expressing which specific effort is appreciated.
Answer 2: Being specific helps the sisters feel that the congregation needs and values them. The paragraph mentions going to pick up a Bible student to bring her to the Kingdom Hall. When an elder recognizes that effort, he is not giving general praise; he is showing that he appreciates a specific act of help. This can greatly encourage the sister because it confirms that her interest in other people is seen and appreciated.
Answer 3: The picture shows an elder smiling as he praises a sister who is with her daughters. It reminds us that opportunities to encourage can arise at the Kingdom Hall. There is no need to wait for a special occasion to express appreciation. Noticing a sister’s effort and mentioning it warmly can cause a simple conversation to convey an important message: Her devotion is valuable to the congregation.
14. Why should elders listen to the sisters? (Proverbs 1:5).
Proverbs 1:5 — A wise person listens and takes in more instruction; A man of understanding acquires skillful direction
Answer 1: Because wisdom includes being willing to listen and learn. A humble elder recognizes that he does not have all the good ideas. The sisters may contribute knowledge and experience that he does not have. Asking for their suggestions and paying attention to them does not diminish his responsibility; it helps him fulfill it better and shows that he sincerely values what they can offer.
Answer 2: Listening to them can help elders do their work better. Gerardo explains that many sisters have more experience in certain tasks than most of the brothers do. Therefore, it would be a loss not to benefit from their suggestions. Respect is shown by recognizing that experience without prejudice and by being willing to learn from it. At the same time, the sisters feel encouraged when they see that their contributions are taken into account.
Answer 3: Many sisters, especially pioneers, know the people in the territory very well. Their experience can be very useful to elders. So it is good not to limit oneself to listening when they take the initiative to speak, but also to ask them for suggestions. In this way, what they have learned in their service is put to good use, and they are shown that they are a valuable part of the congregation, with much to contribute.
15. What can elders do after listening to a sister’s suggestion? (See also the picture).
Answer 1: They can give serious consideration to what the sister has proposed instead of listening to her merely out of courtesy. The paragraph explains that her opinion and experience may help a brother to understand a situation better. Therefore, after listening, it is good to reflect on her contribution. Perhaps she pointed out an aspect that he had not seen and that will enable him to understand better the needs or feelings of other people.
Answer 2: Even if it is not possible to carry out the suggestion, the elders can sincerely thank the sister for sharing it. The value of her participation does not depend on whether what she proposed is eventually done. Her comments may provide a useful perspective and show concern for the welfare of others. Thanking her demonstrates respect for her and for the effort she made to think about how to help.
Answer 3: In the picture, the brother listens to two sisters and writes down their suggestions. This detail highlights an attentive attitude, one interested in remembering what they are saying. The paragraph adds that their opinions can help a brother to be more empathetic. So listening carefully has a purpose: to understand the situation and the people involved better, not simply to end the conversation in a kind way.
16. How do elders show that they trust the sisters? (See also the picture).
Answer 1: They demonstrate it by assigning them tasks that make use of their skills and abilities. Trusting a sister is not merely saying that she is capable, but giving her opportunities to contribute what she knows how to do. The paragraph mentions a variety of work, such as maintenance, purchasing, accounting, scheduling, and translation. This diversity helps us avoid limited ideas about what the sisters can do and to recognize the value of their abilities.
Answer 2: The picture shows a sister operating heavy machinery on a construction project. This illustrates that the sisters also cooperate in tasks that some might associate only with men. The article mentions their help with power tools and machinery in construction and relief work. By entrusting them with such tasks according to their abilities, the elders show that they consider them capable and trustworthy.
Answer 3: Elders demonstrate trust when they recognize what each sister is qualified to do, without being guided by prejudice. Some perform translation or proofreading work; others work in maintenance or construction. The important thing is not to put them in a box, but to make good use of their skills in the tasks mentioned. In this way, appreciation becomes action, and the sisters can contribute their abilities to the work being done.
17. How do the sisters feel when we view them as Jehovah does?
1 Timothy 5:1-2 — Do not severely criticize an older man. On the contrary, appeal to him as a father, to younger men as brothers, to older women as mothers, to younger women as sisters, with all chasteness.
Answer 1: They feel loved and valued as part of our spiritual family. This counsel helps us treat them with the affection and respect appropriate for mothers and sisters. When that spirit is reflected in our words and actions, they can feel at ease and perceive that working with them is a real honor.
Answer 2: Vanessa expresses her gratitude to Jehovah for belonging to an organization where the brothers make her feel at ease. Her comment shows how much our treatment affects the sisters’ well-being. We do not want merely to think that we respect them; we want them to perceive it. Thoughtful words, attention, and sincere appreciation help them feel comfortable and loved among their brothers.
Answer 3: The sister from Taiwan explains that feeling valued and seeing that her feelings are respected strengthens her faith. It also makes her appreciate more the honor of belonging to Jehovah’s people. This reminds us that kind treatment can have a very profound effect. When we imitate Jehovah’s love, we help the sisters perceive in the congregation the affection and respect that he feels for them.
18. How does Jehovah feel when he sees the brothers treating the sisters with respect?
Proverbs 27:11 — Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, So that I can make a reply to him who taunts me.
Answer 1: Jehovah is pleased when the brothers value and respect women as he does. This proverb reminds us that our conduct can make his heart rejoice. So treating the sisters well is not merely a matter of getting along with one another. It is also a way to show our Father that we want to imitate him and please him.
Answer 2: He is happy to see his way of thinking reflected in the way the brothers treat women. He loves his female servants, listens to them, and trusts them, so he is pleased when we also value them. This is a very strong motivation to correct any prejudice. We do not want to change merely to avoid criticism, but because we want our treatment to agree with what Jehovah feels about women.
Answer 3: Benjamin’s comment highlights that a woman entering a Kingdom Hall should notice a difference compared with the disrespectful treatment that exists in the world. That difference depends not only on what we teach but also on how we act. When we show sincere consideration and appreciation for the sisters, we are imitating Jehovah and helping the congregation environment reflect his love.
How does Jehovah view women?
1 Peter 3:7 — You husbands, in the same way, continue dwelling with them according to knowledge. Assign them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one, since they are also heirs with you of the undeserved favor of life, in order for your prayers not to be hindered.
Answer 1: Jehovah considers women deserving of honor, not inferior. Peter reminded those husbands that they shared with their wives the hope of heavenly life. As the article explains, differences in physical strength do not imply less intelligence or spirituality. Jehovah expects that dignity to be reflected in the way they are treated.
Answer 2: Jehovah views his female servants as dearly loved daughters and treats them impartially. He created both man and woman with the ability to reflect his qualities and understand Bible truths. In addition, their faith is just as valuable to him as that of men. Therefore, imitating his viewpoint means rejecting any idea of superiority and sincerely valuing our sisters.
Answer 3: He views them as people whose feelings and problems deserve attention. He demonstrated this by listening to the prayers of Rachel and Hannah and by preserving accounts that teach men to listen to women. His example reminds us that respect is shown by paying genuine attention. If we want to view the sisters as Jehovah does, we must not minimize what they feel or what they have to say.
What can help a brother know whether he is treating the sisters as Jehovah wants?
Proverbs 1:5 — A wise person listens and takes in more instruction; A man of understanding acquires skillful direction
Answer 1: It will help him to be willing to listen and learn, as this proverb teaches. He can ask his wife or another mature Christian who knows him well for an honest opinion. The key is not to seek merely confirmation that he is doing everything right, but to accept guidance that will help him discover and correct any lack of respect.
Answer 2: The best help is to compare his thoughts and actions with God’s Word. The Bible can reveal attitudes he had not detected. By studying accounts of men who treated women well or badly, he can ask himself which conduct more closely resembles his own. In this way, study does not remain mere information; it enables him to recognize specific changes he needs to make in order to imitate Jehovah more closely.
Answer 3: He can ask someone mature direct questions: How do you view the way I treat the sisters? Do they feel respected? In what ways could I improve? That last part is important, because his intentions may be good, but his way of expressing himself may not reflect them. If he receives an observation, he should not become defensive. Humbly accepting it will allow him to turn the counsel into real improvement.
How do the elders show that they respect the sisters?
Romans 12:10 — In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another, take the lead.
Answer 1: They demonstrate it by taking the initiative to express affection and honor. The elders do not wait for a sister to ask for recognition before letting her know that they value her. They can commend her for a specific effort, listen to her suggestions, and recognize her abilities. In this way, respect does not remain merely an intention but becomes treatment that she can perceive.
Answer 2: One way is to commend them sincerely and for specific things. Mentioning a particular effort, such as helping a Bible student attend the Kingdom Hall, shows that they have noticed what the sister is doing. This conveys to her that her contribution has value and that the congregation needs her. The elders thus set a good example of how to express appreciation instead of leaving it unsaid.
Answer 3: They also show respect by listening attentively and taking their ideas seriously. They recognize that the sisters have experience and can offer a perspective that helps them understand a situation better. Even when it is not possible to put a suggestion into practice, they thank the sister for sharing it. This demonstrates that they value the sister and her contribution, not only the suggestions that can ultimately be implemented.
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