Living in Increase (Part 4) - Increase in CommunitySample

Paul and Timothy

Paul and Timothy are a classic example of the mentor-and-mentee relationship in the New Testament. Paul, who played an integral part in starting the early church and the spread of Christianity, mentored a young man named Timothy. Paul is responsible for writing much of the New Testament, and Timothy’s name appears in at least eight of those books! For Paul to mention Timothy so often, it must mean that Paul and Timothy had a special relationship. Paul mentored Timothy, and from what we read in 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul often conversed with him.

Through the flow of 2 Timothy 1:2-11, we see the following aspects of a mentor-and-mentee conversation:

Endearment and thankfulness (2 Timothy 1:2-4)

Encouragement (2 Timothy 1:5)

Challenge or correction (2 Timothy 1:6)

Sharing of Scripture and godly wisdom (2 Timothy 1:7)

Shared vision (2 Timothy 1:8-10)

Personal testimony (2 Timothy 1:11)

As you continue to grow as a mentor to others, consider this flow in your conversations with mentees. Start by encouraging them and telling them how much they mean to you. Then, give them a challenge or constructive correction. Share Scripture with them and offer godly wisdom. Remind them you are partnering in this challenge or discipline because you’re united over a shared vision. Then, if applicable, share a story from your life when you were in a similar situation and God did something amazing! Good mentors encourage, but they also correct. They share wisdom, but they also listen. They are personal and use what they know about the individual they’re mentoring to make them better, not worse.

The next time you have the opportunity to offer godly wisdom to someone, consider following Paul's example in 2 Timothy 1!

Danielle Babcock-Sapienza and Emily N. Green

Action Step: The next time you spend time with someone, whether they’re a mentee or not, practice listening. While the Lord may give you some encouragement to share with them, you must first listen to what they have to say.