...show genuine concern for others...

“19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be cheered by news of you. 20 I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 All of them are seeking their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But Timothy’s worth you know, how like a son with a father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him as soon as I see how things go with me; 24 and I trust in the Lord that I will also come soon” Philippians 2:19-24.

Timothy was, perhaps, the youngest leader ever in the early church. Timothy meant a lot to me when I was a young Pastor, because his youthfulness inspired me greatly. For all of us Timothy is an example of the fact that age or experience do not guarantee greater faith in God, nor do age and experience guarantee a closer, more faithful relationship with God.

Paul grew fond of dispatching Timothy to distant churches to represent him as needed. This picture correlates closely with the impression we receive from Paul’s many references to Timothy. Paul refers to Timothy as his “co-worker” (Rom. 16:21; 1 Thess. 3:2), his “son (Phil 2:22), his “child” (1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2), and his “brother” (2 Cor. 1:1; Co. 1:1; etc.). These show a closeness that is both personal and professional. Timothy is mentioned often as being in Paul’s presence, for instance as the co-author of several epistles (2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon), and just as often as being away from Paul on strategic trips (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10-11; 1 Thess. 3:1-2; Phil. 2:19-24)

These details are all important to you to consider because you can grow closer to God no matter your age or experience. As Paul points out in verse 20 above, Timothy had “genuine concern” for others, and that is what made him so valuable to Paul.

I invite you today to take your own temperature regarding your genuine concern for others. Think of one person in your life who would benefit from your genuine concern. Ask the Lord to open a door into this person’s life, and reach out to this individual and prayerfully inquire how you can help this person. Pray for her or him today, and never forget that your genuine concern for others will bring a blessing on you and others.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.

Today’s Prayer

Oh Lord, I come to you today,

anxious to demonstrate my genuine concern

for someone in my life whom I have neglected,

someone who is in need — and who will be blessed by You —

when I reach out.

Bless this individual and bless me,

and open a door for me to reach out to this individual.

Use me to be Your blessing in their life.

And this I pray in Your Name, amen.