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Before Paul sends his trusted co-worker Timothy to the Philippian Church, he gives Timothy what must be one of the highest commendations ever: “I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare” Phil. 2:20. Timothy takes a genuine interest in the Philippian Church and sincerely cares for their overall welfare. On the other hand, there are others around Paul who look out for their own interests, and not the things of Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:23). Timothy displays that quality of God’s love that Paul wrote of in 1 Cor. 13:3 as “not self-seeking”. We should not only do the work of the Lord when it does not conflict with our own plans. We are to also consider the interests of others (Phil. 2:4). Let us follow Paul’s example to do what is best for others, not what is best for us: “I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved” (1 Cor. 10:33 NLT).

There is also a strong bond of love between Paul and Timothy. Paul looks upon Timothy as his own “true son in the faith” (I Tim. 1:2), “my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord” (1 Cor. 4:17). Timothy has proven himself to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. As a devoted son with his father, Timothy has served with Paul in the work of the gospel, accompanying him on several of his missionary journeys (Phil. 2:22; Acts 16:3, 20:4). Just as a father bears children possessing his nature, Timothy is of the same kindred spirit as Paul (Phil. 2:20). Timothy possesses the same purpose in life, teaching, faith, patience, love and endurance as Paul (2 Tim 3:10). Paul could trust Timothy to remind the churches of his way of life in Christ (1 Cor. 4:17). Timothy ministered to Paul even while in prison (Philemon 1). Such was the bond of affection between them that tears were shed when they parted (2 Tim 1:4). 

Let us forge intimate ties in the family of Christ and seek to be spiritual fathers and mothers. Let us make that effort to bring up spiritual children and train them to, in turn, bring forth the next generation of spiritual godly offspring.