Topical Bible: Employee: Kindness To

◄ Employee: Kindness To ►

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The concept of kindness to employees is deeply rooted in biblical principles, reflecting the broader Christian ethic of love, justice, and mercy. The Bible, while not explicitly addressing modern employment structures, provides timeless guidance on how individuals in positions of authority should treat those under their care.

Biblical Principles of Kindness

1. Golden Rule: The foundational principle of treating others as one would like to be treated is central to Christian ethics. In Matthew 7:12 , Jesus states, "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets." This principle applies to all relationships, including that of employer and employee, encouraging fairness and empathy.

2. Justice and Fairness: The Bible emphasizes the importance of justice in all dealings. Colossians 4:1 instructs, "Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven." While the context refers to masters and slaves, the underlying principle of fairness is applicable to employers and employees today.

3. Compassion and Mercy: Ephesians 6:9 advises, "And masters, do the same for them. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him." This verse calls for compassion and the avoidance of harsh treatment, recognizing the shared humanity and divine oversight of both employer and employee.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides numerous examples and laws that underscore the importance of kindness and justice in labor relations:

· Leviticus 19:13 : "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand." This commandment highlights the importance of timely and fair compensation for work performed.

· Deuteronomy 24:14-15 : "Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise, he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin." This passage emphasizes the need for prompt payment and the moral obligation to care for the vulnerable.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to build on these themes, urging believers to embody Christ-like love and service in all aspects of life, including the workplace:

· James 5:4 : "Look, the wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts." This warning against exploitation underscores the seriousness with which God views the mistreatment of workers.

· Philippians 2:3-4 : "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This call to humility and selflessness is applicable to employers, encouraging them to prioritize the well-being of their employees.

Practical Application

In applying these biblical principles, Christian employers are encouraged to foster a work environment characterized by respect, fairness, and compassion. This includes providing fair wages, ensuring safe working conditions, and treating employees with dignity and respect. By doing so, employers not only fulfill their moral and spiritual obligations but also reflect the love and justice of God in their professional lives.

Nave's Topical Index

Ruth 2:4
And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless you.
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Luke 15:17,19
And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
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Library

The Christian's Fellow Man
... replaced by the master passion of love"employer for employee and employee for employer ...
many who are lonesome for words of cheer and acts of kindness on the ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study iv the christians fellow.htm

After the War.
... which the church after the war was beset, it was divine fatherly kindness that opened ...
The employee was only a "hand," and there was danger that employers would ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xx after the war.htm

Hymns of Christian Devotion and Experience.
... may see Some work of love begun, Some deed of kindness done, Some wand ... and was for
some years engaged with manufacturing concerns, both as employee and manager ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iii hymns of christian.htm