We begin a brand new month together of celebrating our awesome God and appreciating others around us.

I think you know by now that I love the Lord, love His Word, and love His people. All of Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16a) and is so very, very profitable for us (2 Timothy 3:16b-17). The wonderful book of 2 Timothy is one of the pastoral epistles (1 Timothy and Titus are the other two.) For just a couple of days, I am lingering a little in 2 Timothy 1. What wonderful Biblical directives, blessings, and principles are laid out for us. Come with me and quietly think about the truth that unfolds before us.

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord…I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day: greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy” (2 Timothy 1:1-4).

What great strength the Lord gave to the Apostle Paul. He endured such dreadful afflictions, persecutions, and oppositions. He had the heart of a lion and triumphantly endured. But he also was tender in his love, devotion, and appreciation for his son in the faith, Timothy.

Of Timothy we read that he had tears in his service for the Lord. What a wonderful blend of servants. Both loved the Lord. Both were used of the Lord. Paul acknowledged and appreciated the sincerity of Timothy’s love for the Lord Jesus and his faithfulness in ministry which were characterized by his tears.

Hey! Wait a moment before you leave. Timothy’s tears were not fake. They were not staged. They were the expression of sincere tenderness and love. I wonder when the last time would have been that you and I shed a tear of appreciation to the Lord and concern for others.