CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE IN CHRIST MINISTRIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE STUDY ON YOUTUBE
1 Timothy 5:1–2
The Apostle Paul gives Timothy sound Christian advice for the treatment of others as the instructs in 1 Timothy 5:1–2 (NKJV), “1Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.” This is a compliment to the declaration made by Jesus in John 13:34–35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
This is a command to love others as if they are our own family members.
We are all one big family in Christ Jesus. The love and respect we have for others, especially those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ, should be as if we are all literally a family, because we are. The Bible teaches us from the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:9–13, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” If we would treat others as if they are our father, mother, brother, or sister, the evils of this world would be destroyed by the love of Jesus, as it will be one day when He returns.
Dear LORD,
O what a wonderful world it would be if we all expressed the love of Christ Jesus to everyone, and from everyone to us as well. In this evil world is sin, but we know we can overcome sin through the love of Christ Jesus. We know that we can have healing through the love that we show to others and receive from others in Christ. We know that You work through our lives to show Your great love for us and the family that You first intended to have with us all. Please help us, inspire us, lead us, and guide us to do our part in sharing Your great love through our lives – In Christ! In Jesus name I pray, amen.