It’s true that we can choose our friends, but we can never choose who we
want to be our siblings. This is also true when we come to the spiritual
family. It is God who sovereignly design the family. Who will be members of our
spiritual family is entirely God’s prerogative.
However, there is a necessity to rightly relate with each one of them. So
in these two verses, Paul set out to provide some guidelines to Timothy on how
to relate with four categories of people.
Firstly, he showed him how to relate to older man, especially how to
correct them. He was to encourage them
and not rebuke them. This does not mean that he can’t correct them. What Paul
meant was that they should not be rebuked harshly. Instead they should be corrected
gently. What Paul wanted to avoid was for Timothy to develop a condescending
and disrespectful attitude toward the older men. He should treat them like he
would his father, and speak with respect. Secondly for younger men, Timothy was
to treat them like brothers by providing help, care, encouragement and
affirmation. Thirdly to the older women, he was to show respect and concern and
care. And finally to the younger women, he was to treat them like he would his
own sisters. Timothy was to exercise moral purity toward them. The emotion of a
younger lady can be easily manipulated and he was not to toil with their
feelings and emotion. He should abstain from any attitude and behavior that
appear flirtatious. The best way to avoid this was not to look at them
lustfully.
Conscious of it or not, these are principles that are applicable even
for our days. By practicing them we can maintain good, healthy relationships in
the family of God. In church, learn to view the older people like you would
your parents. Respect them by all means and speak to them with gentleness and
not rudely. With people of the same age treat them with respect and honor. And
with the opposite gender, ensure you have a mindset and attitude that would honor
them, and accord them the dignity they deserve.
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