“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example [or model] of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:1212Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)).
Love Models
“Be thou an example [or model] of the believers... in charity [or love].”
Let’s look at another young person for an example of love in the life of a believer. We might think that this would be an easy characteristic for which to find models. After all, doesn’t everyone want to be loved? Then we would assume that everyone is just as quick to show love and care for others, right? Not necessarily.
What does the Apostle Paul say about his “own son in the faith,” Timothy? “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus to you shortly, that I also may be refreshed, knowing how ye get on. For I have no one like-minded who will care with genuine feeling how ye get on. For all seek their own things, not the things of Jesus Christ. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child a father, he has served with me in the work of the glad tidings” (Phil. 2:19-2219But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. 22But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. (Philippians 2:19‑22) JND).
Paul laments the selfishness of many other believers-pursuing their own interests, “not the things of Jesus Christ.” He says that Timothy’s heart displayed a different desire. Timothy cared with genuine feeling about others and how they were progressing in their Christian lives. He served diligently with Paul in the work of the gospel, showing the same genuine care for the souls of the lost. This was true, divine love in action. Here is a model of love that we want to emulate in our lives.
How might I show this love this genuine feeling of care for other brothers and sisters in Christ as well as those who are still not saved? Can I call someone who is not feeling well to say a word of cheer to boost their spirits? Can I help someone with their homework in a subject that they are struggling with? Can I lend a helping hand to someone who is older with a task they are not able to do easily anymore? We could go on and on, couldn’t we, listing many different ways to practically display the love of Christ in our daily lives. Let’s not just list them on paper; let’s practice them. Let’s model divine love through our actions and our words.
D. R. Macy