Four Things Your Kids Need to Hear

Mentorship isn't just a leadership strategy. It's a spiritual calling. And at its best, it speaks life into others.

In 2 Timothy 1:3-7, we find one of the most heartfelt examples of this kind of mentorship in the entire Bible. Paul, writing to Timothy, his beloved spiritual son, uses deeply encouraging and life-giving language. These verses aren’t just words of instruction. They’re words of affirmation, identity, and empowerment.

Let’s look closely at how Paul speaks to Timothy and how his words offer a powerful model for parents, mentors, and disciple-makers today.

The Life-Giving Language of Paul
Paul's words in 2 Timothy 1:3-7 are filled with warmth, encouragement, and deep personal connection:

“I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as 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. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Paul offers Timothy four clear affirmations that breathe life into his spirit:

1."I’m praying for you night and day."
(Verse 3) Paul reminds Timothy that he is constantly covered in prayer. This isn’t a casual mention. It’s persistent, intentional intercession.

2."I miss you and look forward to seeing you."
(Verse 4) He recalls Timothy’s tears and expresses a deep longing to be reunited with him. This reveals a bond of love and spiritual closeness.

3."You’ve got this.”
(Verse 5) Paul affirms Timothy’s sincere faith, reminding him of the godly legacy passed down from his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. He assures Timothy that this same faith is alive in him.

4."Don’t be afraid. You’re gifted."
(Verses 6-7) Paul urges him to fan into flame the gift of God and reminds him that fear does not come from God. Instead, God gives power, love, and self-control.

This is the kind of language every child longs to hear from a parent. It’s what every mentor should strive to communicate to those they are developing.

Parents: Your First Disciples Are at Home
This passage is not only about leadership in ministry. It has strong implications for the home.

Paul’s relationship with Timothy is deeply personal. His words reflect what a mother or father might say to their child:
●"I’m praying for you night and day."
●"I miss you, and I love being with you."
●"I believe in you. You’ve got what it takes."
●"You don’t have to be afraid. You are gifted, and God is with you."

These are not just mentor-to-disciple phrases. They are the heartbeat of spiritual parenting.

Parents, your first disciple-making opportunity is not out there somewhere. It is right at home.

Before you step into ministry roles or ask to mentor others, make sure you are nurturing the faith of your own children. Your kids are your first Timothy. You are their Paul. Or, like Lois and Eunice, you are the first ones to pass down a living faith.

If your children are grown, they still need to hear these words from you:
●"I’m proud of you."
●"I miss you."
●"I love you."
●"I’m praying for you night and day."
●"You’ve got this. Don’t be afraid."

Even when they’re no longer under your roof, you remain a powerful voice of faith and blessing in their lives.

The Power of Life and Death Is in the Tongue
Paul’s tone is marked by graciousness and encouragement. His words build up. They bless. They inspire courage.

Proverbs teaches that the power of life and death is in the tongue. A harsh word can pierce like a sword. But gracious words, like Paul’s, are life-giving, like honey from the honeycomb.

Whether you’re speaking to your children, your spouse, your team, or someone you’re mentoring, your words set the tone. In fact, your communication is like the thermostat in your home.

If you’re consistently negative, harsh, or critical, things grow cold. Relationships feel distant. Warmth disappears. But if your words are full of grace, encouragement, and life, the atmosphere changes. Things warm up. Hearts open.

This principle isn’t just for homes. It applies in marriage, ministry, friendships, and everywhere else. When you speak life, you create a climate of blessing.

Mentors and Parents, Speak Life

Here’s the takeaway: speak life.
●Speak life in your home.
●Speak life over your children.
●Speak life to your team.
●Speak life to the one you’re called to develop.

Ask the Lord, “Give me a tongue that speaks life. Help me create a climate of blessing wherever I am.”

Mentorship is more than advice. It is about imparting life through your words. And that begins not in the church or in ministry programs, but at home with those closest to you.
Let’s be people who speak like Paul. Let’s be voices of encouragement, strength, and faith.


This blog is based on the message shared by Senior Pastor Dr. Roger Patterson at our CityRise West U Baptist campus on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. Check out the full message below!