Jehovah’s Witnesses Article Examines Respect for Women Based on Biblical Teachings

We live in a world where many women are not treated with the respect they deserve. Some girls grow up knowing that their parents would have preferred a son, and as a result, they often receive less attention and affection. In some cultures, women are seen as inferior to men, which can lead to discrimination and even abuse. Hans, who leads a congregation in Bolivia, explains that some men have been raised in a machist culture, which instills in them the belief that men are superior. Similarly, Shengxian, an elder in Taiwan, notes that many men feel women should not be involved in matters they consider the responsibility of men. Even those who claim to have no prejudice against women may not see anything wrong with making humiliating jokes about them.

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that brothers must correct their views on women through the guidance of the congregation. The Bible teaches that brothers should love and respect sisters, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:1, 2. However, cultural influences can shape a person’s perspective more than they realize. The organization emphasizes that no one is bound by the culture in which they were raised, and everyone has the opportunity to adopt Jehovah’s high view of women. This involves changing one’s mindset and behavior to reflect Jehovah’s standards, as described in Ephesians 4:22-24.

Jehovah provides a perfect example of how to treat women. He is a compassionate father who loves all his children, as stated in John 3:16 and 2 Corinthians 6:18. He sees faithful sisters as his daughters, valuing them highly. The organization encourages members to examine how Jehovah honors women, emphasizing that his approach is rooted in love and fairness.

Jehovah treats women impartially and has created both men and women in his image, giving them the ability to reflect his qualities. Genesis 1:27 states that both genders were made in God’s image, indicating that neither is superior to the other. Jehovah has not made men smarter or more gifted than women, and he does not favor one over the other. He values the faith of both men and women equally, offering both the hope of living forever on earth or reigning in heaven. Galatians 3:26-29 supports this, showing that all people, regardless of gender, are heirs of the promise through faith in Christ. This demonstrates that Jehovah does not consider women inferior to men, as stated in 2 Chronicles 19:7.

The organization teaches that Jehovah cares deeply about women, as evidenced by his impartial treatment of them. By following Jehovah’s example, brothers can show respect and love to sisters, reflecting the principles found in Micah 6:8—acting with justice, mercy, and humility. This approach aligns with the organization’s mission to promote peace, care for others, and uphold the values of love and fairness in all relationships.

Source: Read the original report (translated from French)