The mission is not about things; it is about people—and Paul really cares for them (Philippians 1:7-8; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8). He begins and ends the letter to Timothy with fond greetings for his friends. Calling Timothy, “my beloved child,” he writes, “I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy” (2 Timothy 1:2-4).
You may have heard the saying, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Are you praying fervently for those you influence? Are you developing caring relationships with them? Do you remember to honor them and their loved ones? Paul, for example, credits Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice with laying a foundation for his faith. Their form of personal work, so to speak, was at home, sharing the Scriptures with young Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15).