I Timothy 5

“Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers ...” (v1-2). Paul’s advice to the young pastor Timothy acknowledged the real world of relationships. Paul told Timothy to lead while showing genuine respect for others. He also wanted widows who were supported financially by the church to be “truly widows” (v3): women for whom church was their family and only means of support. He reminded people that caring well for their own families allowed the church to do more for the poor (v16).

“So also good works are conspicuous ...” (v25). How we treat one another (our “works”) reveals the Spirit of Christ alive among us.