1 Timothy 4:12

June 16, 2023

When Timothy says not to let anyone despise your youth, he's referring to the newness of #Faith. This chapter of his letter is about changing how you do things to be more reflective of God's character. When he says "be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity," he's telling us to be an example to those around us - let our behaviors reflect the goodness of God, of Yeshua. We should show others how a believer ought to behave through our speech, our demeanor, our #love for others, our godliness.

These are all traits that believers should display at all times. But, in today's world, just as in the first century, it's hard to love those who hate you, to behave in a righteous way towards those who despise you. However, we, the believers, have been challenged by Yeshua, by Yahweh, to go and teach the world about the One True God. And, in so doing, Jesus said we will be persecuted by those who hate us. This is the challenge, especially when we've all become complacent in our own walks (I'm just as guilty).

Felicia understood these principles and did her best to behave in accordance to the teachings of Yeshua, of Paul, Timothy, Peter, James... she wanted to be reflective of Adonai's Love and Grace. Sure, there was a time or two when enough was enough and after all the love she tried to convey, she was still pushed around. My feisty wife could only take so much in those moments and would let the aggrivator know that enough was enough. She only did this a few times in all the 22 years of me knowing her. And each time was after patiently trying to resolve whatever the issue was.

My wife tried her best to always love, always care for others. And her behavior rubbed off on me, albeit I still need to work on mine. But in our time together, we always tried to be God's Hands and Feet. We always tried to share His Love with those around us through our actions and words.

Now, I need to carry the mantel Felicia wore so well and continue sharing God's Love with others.

I miss you, my beautiful princess. Always. Forever. #Fiercely