1 Timothy 5:1-2

As we’ve seen in the issues raised earlier in this epistle, Timothy would need to give correction as it was needed. Timothy was in a position of authority in the churches, but he would still need to give this correction in a good way.

Giving correction in the right way is a learned skill. In this passage Paul gives Timothy a key to start him down the road to some proper correction strategies.

1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;  
2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. 
1 Timothy 5:1–2

You may be reading this and thinking, “well, I’m not a Pastor. I guess I’m off the hook.” Jesus had something else to say about this.

Jesus on Correction

15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.  
16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.  
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 
Matthew 18:15–17

Jesus is specifically talking about when someone has done something against you. This is one of the most basic kinds of corrections.

When this fault comes you have the responsibility to go and talk to that person. And ONLY that person. The goal here is to “gain thy brother.”

While Timothy’s reasons for needing to correct someone may have been broader. There is something here for all believers: A Proper Approach to Correction.

We need to be thoughtful and careful in our approach to different people when correcting them. This means HUMILITY. The goal isn’t to make sure they know you’re right, the goal is to gain your brother or sister and to strengthen them in their walk with God.

Here are the different groups Paul gave counsel about how to approach.

Older men

The “elder” in this verse isn’t referring to pastors as it is in other places, but to mature older men. It’s very intimidating to correct people who are older than you. Paul’s approach was to not rebuke but to intreat them. 

The difference between “rebuke” and “intreat” here is important. A rebuke is a sharper chastisement while intreating seeks to understand the perspective of the other. Once you know their perspective you have the opportunity to point out the flaws in it. You might also find that these older men have something to teach you.

Younger men

The younger men should be treated like brothers.

I’m very blunt with my brothers. We expect honesty from each other and call out error when we see it. We discuss things and sharpen each other’s perspectives.

I am also blest to have some friends that I can talk with like brothers. Sometimes this means correction goes in both ways. Usually, this means we serve together, grow together, pray together.

Older women

Treat the older women as mothers.

This would be with much the same respect you treat the older men. These women have life experience that you don’t, perceptive you don’t. 

Younger women

The younger woman should be treated as sisters with all purity. This would be a lot like a brother. 

I love the relationship I have with my sisters! They are all bold, smart, and godly woman. I also serve with many godly women who seek God and strive for truth.

How you approach people of the other sex for correction has to be done with great care. Don’t leave any room for an accusation. Don’t allow any inappropriate familiarity.

Your Turn

Handle problems biblically.

Go to your brother or sister in Christ with any problems you have. Go directly to him or her. The more people you bring into these problems the worse they become.

Approach people biblically.

Approach your brothers and sisters in Christ with Humility, Compassion, and Boldness. You’ll find that when you approach people the right way they’ll more often respond the right way.