Be an Example in Love

David W Palmer

(1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV) “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

The Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to “be an example … in love”—among other things. This charge applies to all of us too. Many people are watching our lives; consequently, our Lord Jesus needs us to give off his fragrance to everyone we encounter. In other words, he wants us constantly to be a godly example of the genuine Jesus life to everyone who observes us—whether intentionally, casually, or by chance:

(2 Corinthians 2:15 GWT) To God we are the aroma of Christ among those who are saved and among those who are dying.

To complicate this vision, everyday you will face great challenges to the goal of showing love to others. Many things will come to test your patience, forgiveness, humility, and especially your unconditional love. To operate in God’s love purely and continually, the apostle Paul said he had to “die daily” to other things; and that he had to continue to give love even if it wasn’t reciprocated. I encourage you to follow his example:

(2 Corinthians 12:15 NLT) “I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.”

(1 Corinthians 15:31 NKJV) “I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.”

Remember, people might not always do as you say; but they will often do as you do! Somewhere, some time, in a different season perhaps, and most especially when you are not there to witness it; they will eventually do what they see you do! So, keep showing love, keep sowing love, and someone will reap love … eventually.

When Rosanna and I first became dedicated followers of Jesus, we began a meeting in our home; it was a friendship, discipleship, Bible study, and worship group. We naturally invited all of our friends. A young lady, who had previously been the girlfriend of our band member, came. She gave her life to Jesus, received his new birth, loved the group, and absorbed the teaching. Without being aware of it, we simply practiced in front of her everything we read in God’s word, including praying for the sick, deliverance, and soul winning.

Several years later, after we had lost touch with her, our friend became critically ill. While laying in hospital facing death, she thought to herself: “What would David and Rosanna do?” We unconsciously had been her only example of genuine Christians. She remembered those home meetings. Thankfully, our young friend had witnessed us believing for healing and casting out demons. She simply began to imitate what she had seen us do; she rebuked the enemy, commanded him to leave, and claimed her healing. By God’s grace, she quickly recovered to full health and found us to recount the testimony.

“Someone is always watching.” Rosanna and I developed this saying, which we recite to each other frequently as a way of reminding ourselves—not only of this incident; but that everyday, wherever we are, someone is watching. We may be aware of them looking—as in a discipleship group or while on the platform at church. But most probably, we will not know they are observing us or even who they are; we may simply be oblivious to them.

While in church, in family, out shopping, at the servo, walking, talking on the phone, or at a restaurant; our observers may be young or old, known or unknown to us, but they sure know who we are … and they watch us closely or merely casually observe us. In reality, their view of us—or more importantly of Jesus—can be shaped by what they witness in those moments. What’s more, perhaps intentionally or without even knowing it, they will imitate what they see us do—even when we don’t know they saw us or would ever copy our words and actions.

Those watching us may be assessing us to find if we are genuine. On one hand, they may recognize us and simply observe casually; but on the other, they may be scrutinizing our every word and deed to see how a true Christian acts, responds, initiates, and behaves. Without us knowing, this may well be informing their mind and directing their lives. We don’t always know when, where, or what they are observing and later imitating. That’s why the Holy Spirit exhorts us to “be an example … in love.” Remember today—no matter where you are or what you are doing—“Someone is always watching”; even when you think you are alone in solitude or completely in the dark … angels and demons are watching. So act like God’s child; be an example in love today.