16 September 2021
Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.
1 Timothy 4:12-16,NRSV
In today’s reading, we hear Paul encouraging Timothy to not let people disregard him because of his relative youth. Perhaps it was the case that some of the older members of the Church at Ephesus had not taken too kindly to being instructed or even corrected by someone younger than themselves. Paul emphasises the importance of leading by example – an important lesson for all leaders and especially so for Timothy who needed the trust and respect of his community. Paul further encourages Timothy by reminding him of the great gift he had been given and that he had been entrusted by the elders of the Church to exercise this gift.
- What effect do you think Paul’s words may have had on Timothy?
- How do we encourage younger members of our own communities to discern and offer their gifts?
Offer some encouragement to a young person you know.
