1 Timothy 5:1-2

5:1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. (ESV)

These verses were one of the topics of our home group last night. They are simple, straightforward, and very convicting…

How am I doing in my reproof of others? Am I encouraging older men as I would a father? Older women as a mother? Do I treat my brothers and sisters in Christ as exactly that – brothers and sisters? Paul reminds Timothy again in 2 Timothy 4:2 that one of our duties is to reprove and rebuke with patience.

And lest we think this duty is only on pastors and other church leaders, let us remember Paul’s word to the Galatian church, a body with no small share of problems:

Galatians 6:1

6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. (ESV)