2 Timothy 2:1….7 KJV
Thou therefore my son……Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
Paul called Timothy his son. They were both adults by this time, but Paul was probably a lot older.
What strikes me as I read Paul’s letters is the profound respect Paul had for Timothy. He admired him and complimented him and spoke highly of him at every turn.
We hear a lot about the need of children to respect their parents, and I subscribe to that. But I believe that there is also some huge benefits in us parents respecting our children. This includes listening to them and trying to see things from their perspective. It includes seeing what they do well and complimenting them. It also makes a difference as to how we guide and correct them.
In 2 Tim 2, Paul was giving Timothy some instruction and teaching. He had the seniority and the stature to simply tell him and even to demand he listen and obey. Rather, he requested that Timothy consider his words, but then he fully acknowledged Timothy’s own relationship with God and encouraged him to seek fuller understanding there, at God’s throne. To me, it’s a model reproof, and exemplifies how to reprove our adult children. It also exemplifies how to seek to correct one another. No hint of applying pressure, or manipulation, or seeking control. Just love and respect and confidence.
Paul respected Timothy. I believe that Timothy revered Paul, and took his instruction seriously. Which came first – Paul’s respect or Timothy’s reverence? We don’t really know. But we do know that it is our job as fathers to set the tone in our relationships with our children. Let’s respect them. Deeply. And treat them that way. It will pay dividends.
