Monday Devotional: September 26, 2022

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-14

So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of me, his prisoner. Instead, share the suffering for the good news, depending on God’s power. 2 Timothy 1:8 (CEB)

In a world of e-mail, instant messaging, and texting, we often value convenience over content. But the construction and tone of our words matter. The apostle Paul, a master communicator with thirteen epistles attributed to his name, carefully crafted letters that addressed thorny theological and practical matters.

Paul writes this second letter to Timothy to encourage his younger colleague to persevere in gospel work in spite of suffering and challenge. The opening verses note the theme and focus of the pastoral epistles as Paul stresses his apostleship “for the sake of promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.” Paul then becomes more personal in his address to Timothy. He writes a love letter of sorts from an older friend and mentor to a younger, cherished leader of the next generation. “To Timothy, my beloved child: … I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.”

We all need to find persons like Timothy in whom we can invest, but we also need the mentors like Paul who can encourage us toward faith and service. For me, one of the privileges of the Christian life involves playing both roles. I keep a desk file with notes of reassurance that I’ve received over the years, “love letters” from friends and mentors who have invested in me. When I need a heartening word, I pull out the file and read. “I delight in your partnership… I thank God for you… You are a good and loyal friend to many.” We are both the investor and the invested. May you draw on the strength and kindness of those who have invested in you! And may you encourage others, becoming a living epistle of love.

Prayer

Lord, Jesus, thank you for friends and mentors who remind me of my true identity in you. As you remind me that I am beloved, prompt me to reach out to others with words that encourage and inspire. Amen

By John R. Terrill, Upper Room Disciplines 2013, p. 327.