2 Timothy 1:³ I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. ⁴ Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.  

It’s interesting to me how often the faith-bearer in a family system is a woman. This is not universal, of course, but it happens a lot. Paul writes about the faith-bearers in Timothy’s family, his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. I can imagine how proud they are of Timothy, who has grown to become an important leader in the early church.

Whether man or woman, one of the responsibilities and privileges of a Christian is to pass along the faith to younger generations. This morning I’m thinking of the young people I’ve known over the years with whom I’ve been blessed to share faith in Jesus. There are my own three children, certainly, but others as well. Of course, as a pastor you would expect this, but you don’t have to be a pastor to share your Christian faith.

Question: Can you name someone in your relational orbit, younger or older, with whom you might share your faith in Jesus?

Lord, like Louis and Eunice, give us grace to give our faith away. Amen.