Topical Bible: Servant: Bond: Kindness To, Commanded

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In the biblical context, the relationship between masters and their bondservants is addressed with a call for kindness and fairness. The Scriptures provide guidance on how those in positions of authority should treat their servants, emphasizing the importance of compassion and justice.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for the treatment of servants, particularly in the Mosaic Law. In Exodus 21:26-27, the law provides protections for servants, ensuring they are treated with dignity. If a master injures a servant, the servant is to be set free as compensation for the injury. This reflects a broader principle of justice and kindness embedded in the law.

Leviticus 25:39-43 further instructs the Israelites on the treatment of their fellow countrymen who become servants due to poverty. They are not to be treated as slaves but as hired workers or temporary residents, and they are to be released in the Year of Jubilee. This passage underscores the importance of recognizing the humanity and dignity of those in servitude.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, with the Apostle Paul providing explicit instructions to masters regarding their treatment of bondservants. In Ephesians 6:9 , Paul writes, "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 highlights the equality of all believers before God and calls for masters to treat their servants with respect and fairness, avoiding harshness or threats.

Similarly, in Colossians 4:1 , Paul exhorts, "Masters, supply your servants with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven." This command reinforces the principle that earthly authority is accountable to divine authority, and thus, masters are to act justly and kindly.

The Example of Christ

The ultimate model for kindness and servitude is found in Jesus Christ Himself. In Philippians 2:7 , it is written that Christ "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." Jesus' life and ministry exemplify servanthood marked by love, humility, and kindness. His actions and teachings provide a paradigm for how believers are to treat one another, including those in positions of servitude.

Practical Implications

The biblical mandate for kindness to bondservants has practical implications for Christian conduct. It calls for an attitude of humility and service, recognizing the inherent worth of every individual. This principle extends beyond the historical context of servitude to modern relationships in workplaces and communities, where authority should be exercised with compassion and justice.

In summary, the Bible commands kindness to bondservants, rooted in the recognition of their dignity and the accountability of masters to God. This teaching is consistent throughout Scripture, reflecting God's character and His desire for justice and mercy in human relationships.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 25:43
You shall not rule over him with rigor; but shall fear your God.
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Ephesians 6:9
And, you masters, do the same things to them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
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Library

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
... 4): "Who art thou that judgest the servant of another? ... put on love, which is the
bond of perfectness ... put on love." Love transcends mercy, kindness, meekness and ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fifth sunday after epiphany.htm

Ephesians iv. 1, 2
... every thing done proceeded from overflowing kindness, for they ... the world, this title,
"Paul, a servant [268] of ... so great zeal as to be bond-servants, doubtless ...
/.../homily viii ephesians iv 1.htm

(On the Fast of Seventh Month, V. )
... we loved nothing but what He commanded us to ... one Object, since we desire the
bond-servant to serve ... gentleness extinguishes anger, loving-kindness treads down ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xc on the fast.htm

The End of the War
... the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the ... even he shall understand
the loving kindness of the ... service, that will be the true bond between the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of the war.htm

In Rome
... which, with his usual tact and kindness, the apostle ... the gospel upon the relation
between master and servant. ... Christianity makes a strong bond of union between ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
... a different absolution, be he lord or servant, noble or ... and one inheritance, and
in the bond of Christianity ... us to demand mercy or commend kindness where sin ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/fifth sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity.
... the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ... of son and daughter, master and mistress,
servant and maid. ... must manifest to another the love and kindness he would ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/seventeenth sunday after trinity the.htm

On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ...
... not in anger, but in mildness, with kindness and peace ... Thou to Moses, Thy faithful
and holy servant, at the ... him to a resurrection, and loosedst the bond of death ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on the formation of.htm

The Glory of Penitents and Pious People.
... the servants of the rich, who thought it a kindness to be ... Zita, the angelic
servant-girl; and many others, whom the ... for they are all united by the bond of the ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xx the glory of.htm

B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10
... for they may "bid thee again;" but if kindness is shown ... He saith unto him, Take thy
bond, and write fourscore ... 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the second stages chs.htm