Wednesday 23 June, 2021

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

When it comes to a challenging task, I can’t think of one more daunting than the one given to Timothy. Paul had come to the city of Ephesus and stayed there for a while and planted a church. Then it’s time for Paul to move on to the next city, but someone has to stay behind and lead this new church so Paul picks Timothy. No pressure.

But Paul gives Timothy some simple instructions which are really useful. Firstly, don’t let them waste time with endless discussions, which doesn’t help people live by faith. Secondly, Paul’s purpose was that all believers would be filled with Love, which comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience and genuine faith.

Taking Paul’s instruction personally, keep it simple, keep it pure, and be filled with love. Jesus said by this will everyone know that we are his disciples, by our love for one another. Jesus showed us what that love looks like, when he loved us before we loved him. His love takes the first step. It leads, so others can follow. Jesus didn’t hold back, not afraid of rejection, he already knew that everyone would reject him, but he loved anyway. And because he did, I am filled with his love and know how to love others. Simple.

Thank you, Jesus, for loving me first and showing me how to love others. 

Written by Andrew Martin