Meaningful Mentorship: Five Guiding Principles for Your ConversationsSample

2 Timothy 4:2 continues Paul's final charge to Timothy, focusing on the importance of preaching God's Word with unwavering commitment and readiness. Let's explore how we can effectively minister to others and be a light that shines God's truth in every circumstance.

"preach the word"

Be about God’s agenda, not your own. Stick to what Scripture says. Though it may not be the current hot topic, God’s Word is always what is needed. Those who do not know the Lord need to know what He has done for them. Those who already know the Lord must be reminded of what He has done for them. God’s Word works beyond what any human is capable of speaking, so you don’t have to waste your energy trying to be relevant or creative.

"be ready in season and out of season"

Always be ready to minister to someone else. You probably have places where it feels more appropriate to share your faith – maybe within the walls of your church, among other believers, or online. But this reminds us not to compartmentalize where we share our faith. The goal should be to remain the same in your words and actions as the people around you and the places you go change. Be ready – but remember, your readiness has a lot more to do with your willingness than your ability. Be willing to serve God wherever you go.

"reprove, rebuke"

Reproving and rebuking are both forms of correction, but reproving means to correct gently, and rebuking means to correct strongly. Paul taking the time to include both words reminds us that we shouldn’t solely use the form of correction that’s easier for our personality. Sometimes it’s more appropriate to correct gently – maybe with a new believer or the first time a particular sin issue pops up. But there are also times when a stronger rebuke may be necessary – maybe within a close relationship, when sin is ongoing without repentance, or when someone’s actions could cause significant harm to themselves or someone else.

But far better than circumstances, though, to determine which form of correction to use, you will need to be sensitive to the Spirit. Strong corrections, when what’s needed is a gentle one, will come off as cruel. And choosing to correct gently when a strong correction is needed lets cowardice win over courage. Correction is an important piece of discipleship, but the type of correction you use matters just as much as your willingness to correct. Before you give corrections, ask God to help you know when to reprove and when to rebuke.

"and exhort"

“Exhorting” is to encourage. God’s Word is encouraging. If we aim to sound like Him, we won’t just bark orders. But remember – to encourage – that’s literally to put courage in others. Remind others of the goodness of God, His promises, His faithfulness, and His grace. Share how He’s working in your life, and share how you see Him working in their life too. Pray His promises over them. Acknowledge when you see growth in them. In parenting, I refer to this as “catching my kids doing something right.” It’s easy to notice when something is wrong, isn’t it? We typically expect what is right, so we don’t always pay attention to it. Encouragement is your way of noticing when something is right – and putting courage in them to continue in His path.

"with complete patience and teaching."

Be mindful of how you teach and what you teach. Just as God is patient with you, prioritize being patient with others. For me, my impatience often comes out the quickest in the moments when I have to repeat myself. But when it comes to sharing God’s truth, being ready to minister at all times, and being willing to correct gently, correct firmly, and encourage – it will all require a great deal of repetition. Paul repeated himself so much throughout his letters and in his preaching, and here’s what he had to say about it: “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you” (Philippians 3:1). Beyond Paul's patience, look at the result – the foundation of God’s Word is safety. The further we stray from it, the more damage we can do to ourselves and others.

Heavenly Father, help us align our hearts with Your divine agenda. May we faithfully preach Your Word, reaching out to those who need to know You and gently guiding those already in Your care. Grant us the willingness and courage to minister wherever we go without compartmentalizing where we share our faith. Holy Spirit, lead us to discern when to reprove and when to rebuke, always being sensitive to Your guidance. In our encouragement, may we be vessels of Your hope, putting courage in others to walk in Your path. With patience and careful instruction, may we diligently teach and lead, building a foundation of safety through Your Word. Amen.