Young Friend
Mentor Bob
Mentor Paige
June 17"I love you young friend," was the closing to an email I received yesterday. At my age, you don't get those a lot, but it's quite Biblical. It actually thrilled my heart, as I'm presently in an in-depth study of 1 & 2 Thessalonians and growing to appreciate Paul's love for his younger brother in Christ, Timothy.
In Paul's letters to the Thessalonians we read about the intense longing he has to be with his fellow believers. Listen in and see if your heart stirs for the fellowship of another believer in this way.
But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, for a short time (in presence, not in affection) we became all the more fervent in our great desire to see you in person. For we wanted to come to you (I, Paul, in fact tried again and again)…v 17.
While we recognize that we are forever learning on this side of heaven, it's equally important to recognize the opportunities we have to train up and encourage our younger brothers and sisters in the faith. Let's be intention and pour ourselves and the gospel into a younger individual, who shows the potential for carrying the torch, after we are gone!.