Daily Devotion

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english I Timothy 5: 1-4     Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.      Paul presented the principles of treating different people in the church. For older people, do not rebuke them; and this is a teaching of respect similar to that of Chinese teachings. Regardless, older people have experienced lives' ups and downs worthy of our respect. Correcting them with respect if needed as if they are our parents, they would naturally touched by our actions.   In addition, we should teach the young ones as if they are our brothers according to Paul. Treating our brothers and sisters as a member of our family is also a teaching in God's kingdom. If we can manage our church and families with the same attitude, many issues would be resolved easily.   Thirdly, our older sisters should be treated as if they are our mothers. As for the younger sisters, we need to have a heart of purity especially when serving together in the church, we need to be especially judicious so that this relationship would be pleasing in God's eyes.   Finally, to the widows and also those in need in the church, the same principle applies. The church has the responsibility to care for the needy, similar to that of any charitable organizations. Using the same guidelines, when somebody has a financial need, members in the church family should attend to their needs;   for those living alone and in need of help, the church should take an active role in helping them.   May the Lord grant us a heart of compassion and actively help those in need so that they may not be left out. It is only when we put this into practice, can we be recognized as the disciples of our Lord! May His spirit continue to guide us to live out this testimony of loving one another in our church.      Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, may we be touched by your compassion so that we may grow spiritually together and help those in need with wisdom especially the elderly, the young and the widows. With thanks we pray, in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!

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