“Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity” (1 Timothy 5:1-2).
As Paul wrote to Timothy, he gave advice and was a mentor to him. He understood, from experience, how difficult it would be as a young, itinerate preacher—especially interacting with various ages of men and women. Timothy would have to deal with each person with patience and tact. At times his words or deeds might be misunderstood. The responsibilities of today’s pastors warrant us to pray and encourage.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for your pastor today, specifically concerning their interaction with older and younger in the church. Pray that he would serve as a mentor to young people and that older saints in your congregation would respect his authority as God’s leader for them.
