“You must not rule over them harshly, but you must fear your God» (Leviticus 25:43, NET)
Today we have a text chat refers to the treatment of slaves. Why did God permit His people to have slaves? We do not know, but the slaves of the Hebrews were treated very differently from the slaves of neighboring nations: with dignity and respect. They cook part in religious festivities, and they rested on the Sabbath.
Today there are no slaves in most parts of the world, or at least slavery has changed substantially in form since Bible times. But this principle is applicable for whoever is an employer, supervisor, department head, or any other work position where you have personnel under your responsibility. The principle is not to treat them harshly; that is, not to take advantage of your position to mistreat those who see you as their superior.
When I came to the United States, at first, I had to work as a common laborer at a company that produced plastic produces. People who had an advantage with their level of English, but probably had a limited education and evident lack of skills in human relations were extremely rude in their treatment of those who they were to supervise. I was a victim of mistreat ments, shouting, and harshly given orders. The message was: «Hurry or you are out of here»; «You’re no good at this.» I kept a merciful attitude toward them because I had faith that I would get out of there and go on with my profession once again, while many of my co-workers would stay in places like that until they retired. With faith and perseverance, little by little I was able to work my way into a professional position. I promised myself that if in the past I had ever been disrespectful of anyone working under me, it would never happen again. God led me to be the supervisor of a Hispanic program, where I would interview and supervise employees. By God’s grace, «my guys» (as I called them) even asked me for a blessing when they left my office. «There is not place in the work of the Lord for a leader who conceives it to be his privilege to domineer over his fellow workers and dictate to them.»-SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 861.
Pray for wisdom to treat each individual as a son or daughter of God. Fulfill your responsibility with humility, as one who is there to serve and to be a role model and not to give orders. Do it in the fear of God; He will reward you.
Evaluate today your treatment of others.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
