I Timothy 5  Paul tells Timothy, "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality." ( v21)

These principles include:

Treating older men like you would your own father and treating younger men like brothers. v1

Treating older women like your own mother and younger women as sisters. v2

Taking care of widows, discerning those who have real need and those who should be taken care of by their own families. v3-15 

Taking care of elders/pastors who serve faithfully. v17-18

Treating accusations with careful discernment. v19-20

In other words, "pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.." ( 6:11) 

Relationships in the church family are a testimony of God's presence or absence..  How we treat one another is so important.  The character and works of every member are out there for all the world to see..."... deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed." (v25) 

We are reminded here to take time to pay attention to our own attitudes and to the attitudes of the church as a whole.  Are we treating one another like family? Are we taking care of those in need? Are we encouraging each other in good works?  Are we holding one another accountable when there are issues?

Father in heaven, once again we find that what we need most is You!  We see churches fail so often and bring shame upon Your Holy Name because they fail to hold to Your Word and the principles that You have given.  Bring repentance and revival to Your people.  We seek Your Presence and look to You for the power to live godly lives that will exalt Your Name in all the earth. Shower us with Your Spirit, Lord God, like rain upon the dry and thirsty ground.  We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.