Lesson 3. Respect for the Other Members of the Group

Ephesians 2:10: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We have one Heavenly Father, and we have been born of the Holy Spirit for Eternal life.

Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have Eternal life, which has already begun. Even if it is interrupted by someone’s death, it will be restored and will continue at the Second Coming of Christ. And Christ is coming! Amen.

When you form a group in your region to study together in this School, you do not know very well those who have decided to study with you. Each of you has your own distinctive qualities and abilities. Some like to write a great deal; some prefer only to read; others prefer to listen. Some are tired of everything and are seeking rest, while others are ready to lead us all toward new discoveries and put new ideas into practice. Each person has their own view of things and their own opinion about one event or another.

We have all been created for one another unto good works.

We have gathered here to learn to love one another, to respect the opinions of others, and to be kind and patient. And this is possible.

We have been given the threefold promise, “Love one another.” Three times Jesus declares to us that we will succeed, because He desires to see this in us; otherwise, He would not have commanded us to do it. God will fulfill this promise in our lives because He sees our desire to learn it.

It is possible that rule-breakers will appear in the group, or that someone may be very emotional, cheerful, or very radical and begin disrupting order with their revelations. I ask you to respect their opinions and not enter into unnecessary arguments. Establish rules for yourselves and write them down if it becomes necessary to introduce them.

Each of us is a unique and unrepeatable person. Everyone has their own destiny, difficulties, and past, about which we know nothing. Perhaps someone is struggling with sin and does not know the way out. We are called to love, and love respects a person’s choice and freedom, even though it hates sin.

The Lord will certainly allow various difficulties and disagreements here as well in order to teach us something. Therefore, do not be troubled when trials come. Love covers all things.

It is very important to understand the direction of our studies: I am learning to love. These arrows must be directed from my heart toward all those near me in your group. And I believe that the arrows of love and friendship from the other participants will touch you as well.

The process has begun, and it cannot be stopped. The goal has been established, and we will reach it. The most powerful Force in the entire Universe has been given to help us. We are entering a boundless ocean called Love. May its waters wash every impurity from our hearts and make us clean and fit for Eternity.

To respect means to esteem each person as better than yourself, to see in that person someone you can admire and from whom you can learn. Whoever among you desires to be greatest, let that person be the servant of all.

I believe that very soon you will see for yourselves how harmoniously Jesus can bring together different people who share a good common goal.

Have a blessed journey, friends.

I have understood this truth for myself: not everyone wants to know my opinion on one matter or another. Therefore, I am in no hurry to share my revelations with those who do not need them. There is a time to keep silence and a time to speak. The time has come to love.

The purpose of this lesson is to understand that I am not alone here. I am surrounded by those who are waiting for the time when I learn to love them and can freely express my feelings without being embarrassed before the friends around me.

1. Please read Romans 12:4–5, 10; 14:5; John 15:17; Ephesians 4:1–3; 2:10; Colossians 3:12; Philippians 2:3; James 1:2–6; and Isaiah 66:8–10 in the light of our lesson.

2. What did you understand from this lesson?

3. Why is it important to remember and take into account each person’s individual characteristics when communicating?

4. How can we learn to respect another person’s opinion?

5. Give a definition: what does it mean to respect someone?

6. What should you do if people do not listen to you?