Read Titus 2:1-5 1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
The apostle Paul introduced the concept of mentoring in his letter to Titus. If you are fortunate to have benefited from godly mentors, think of what they have taught you. Your meeting with them was not accidental. God brought you into their sphere of influence to fulfill His purposes. Let’s look at Paul’s charge to older women, pointing out certain qualifications for a mentor to younger women. (v. 3)
Reverent in behavior. Her actions show she respects God.
Not slanderous. Her speech edifies instead of causing conflict and division.
Not addicted to much wine. She is not addicted to any substance.
The general purpose for older women is: “to teach what is good.” The Greek word for “good” is kalos, which “expresses beauty as a harmonious completeness, balance, proportion.” Older women are to teach younger women about God’s idea of beauty. Titus 2:3-5 emphasizes several areas of help. I would like to focus on three:
Love their husbands. The original word used for “love” here is philandros, which speaks of “loving someone as friend.” Wives need to learn to be their mates’ friend. Phileo love, central to philandros, grows from common interests.
Love their children. If you have trouble loving your children, I suggest:
- Seek a mentor to train you to love your children.
- Seek sound, godly counsel to discover why your heart is hindered.
- Do the right thing until you feel the right things, e.g. hug your children and tell them you love them.
- Be involved in their lives, such as attending their school functions and games. Hang in there and seek some support.
Be busy at home. Homes and families do not take care of themselves. The wife and mother has something to give her home and family that no one else can supply as effectively - tenderness, nurturing, and personal touch.
-Beth Moore-
Responding - Do I know a younger person who could benefit from being mentored?
Following - God, shall I mentor someone or be mentored?
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