In light of the persecution from the Roman Empire and the pressure from conflict within the church, some would counsel Timothy to spend more time expressing the love of God through providing for the material needs of people. I can almost hear it: ”Back off being narrow-minded when it comes to who God is and focus on simply being the love of God to people.” Others would urge Timothy to listen more and talk less: “Identify with people… ‘’’walk a mile in their shoes.”’ While these are things that Timothy could do, is there something that Timothy must do if he is to be faithful in serving Christ through pastoring the people in the Church at Ephesus?

Scripture references: 2 Timothy 1:13-14, John 14:26, 15:26-27, 16:12-14, Acts 9:1-16, 9:3-6, 9:15-16, Galatians 1:18, 2:1-2, 1:1-2, 1:11-12, I Thessalonians 4:2-8, 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, Colossians 2:12-13, 1 Corinthians 2:12-13, 1 Cor. 14:37-38, 2 Peter 3:15-16, Ephesians 4:13-16, Galatians 2:11-14, Acts 4:36-47, Acts 9:26-28, Acts 11:19-26