Tuesday Teaser for 12/17

This week we will be discussing confidence in looking at the letter to Timothy. I love the two letters we have from Paul to Timothy. I love the personal look at their relationship. It reminds me a great deal about the lesson on mentoring. Paul is intentional in his words of support and encouragement to Timothy. He succeeds where many of us fail. Why is that? I want us to think about these statements tomorrow.

• Paul knows Timothy well, knows his gifts and his faults.
• Paul expresses confidence in what he knows to be true. Timothy can do great things by fanning the flame of the spirit within him, a flame that is uniquely fired under his personal gifts/abilities.
• Paul does not encourage Timothy to be anything more than the best he can be. He does not tell him positive-sounding lies.

How can we truly encourage our brothers/sisters? How can we show real confidence?