Can you remember who first introduced you to God and encouraged your faith to grow? Maybe it’s something that’s only happened recently. Or maybe you can’t remember a time when you didn’t know about Him. Timothy probably fell into the second group. In the Bible, Paul the apostle wrote to Timothy, advising him in his work as a missionary. In Paul’s second letter, he writes: ‘I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you’ (2 Timothy 1:5 NLT). Later on, he says: ‘You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus’ (2 Timothy 3:14-15 NLT). Timothy’s mother and grandmother were instrumental in teaching Timothy about God, setting him a good example, and nurturing his faith, which led to him being open to the salvation Jesus offers and realising his calling. Today is Mothering Sunday – a reminder to us that we should honour our mothers, as God has commanded us (take a look at Exodus 20:12). For many of us, our mothers and fathers were the people who had the biggest influence on us as we grew physically, mentally, and spiritually. But not all of us had parents who believed. So today, as well as honouring your mother, why not think about the person (or people) who’s nurtured your faith and helped you grow spiritually? Who’s set you a great example of living as a Christian? Who’s been as concerned for your spiritual health as a mother would be for her child’s physical health? Why not say thank you to them today, too?
