I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by the news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
Philippians 2:19-24, emphasis added
These verses often convict me. Paul’s description of Timothy is amazing … that he is genuinely concerned for the welfare of others. I’m far too quick to rush past the needs, so focused on my own agenda, my own plans, my own schedule. It’s about slowing down, isn’t it? I imagine Timothy was much like a dear friend of mine who hears what I don’t say and whose prayers intercede on my behalf. She doesn’t want to know just the surface stuff, she truly cares about my heart, my hurting, my fears, and my dreams and joys. Who are you genuinely concerned about? Whose welfare matters so much to you that it is evident to others?
Lord, teach us to care. To listen. To act. To place the needs of others ahead of our own. Open our eyes to those things unseen in the lives of others. Cause us to incline our ears to the words not spoken. Give us wisdom and discernment … but most of all, we ask for hearts like Yours. To love, deeply, fully, completely, and unselfishly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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