November 5, 2025

Minding Your Thoughts

A Biblical Overview of Obtaining and Maintaining a Biblical Thought Life

2 Timothy 1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

Paul is mindful of Timothy’s tears. He does not elaborate concerning the reason for the tears, they are just mentioned in passing. But to Timothy this is not just a passing statement; he would certainly recall that which Paul is referencing. Paul and Timothy were co-laborers, more than that, I believe they were friends. Friends are mindful of each other. They remember things that others forget. They have a way of communicating that others may not understand. Paul goes on in some detail to mention the faith of Timothy that he learned from his mother and grandmother, but concerning his tears, nothing further is said.

Timothy’s father was a Gentile, his mother was Jewish. At this time in history there was a great amount of contempt heaped upon people of such heritage. They were not fully accepted by either, often they became outcasts. But Paul accepted Timothy. He was simply following the example of Jesus who accepted the woman at the well, who was a Samaritan (probably of mixed ancestry as well). Perhaps the rejection that Timothy must have experienced caused the tears. We just don’t know, but we do know that the writer of Hebrews stated that Timothy …is set at liberty… (Hebrews 13:23). Evidently there was a time when Timothy did not have liberty, perhaps this caused his tears.

One thing is certain however, Paul knew of Timothy’s tears and Timothy knew of his tears. It was something of which friends are mindful. How about your friends? Are you mindful of their heartaches, shortcomings, difficulties, or hardships? There is no need to go into detail about them, just let your friend know that you are mindful of them. This can be very comforting to those who are hurting. Today you may bring them comfort. In the future they may bring you comfort. This is the way friendship works. Being mindful of one another and with just a few brief words comforting each other is what is important. The details don’t matter, comforting one another though, that is priceless. It’s what friends do.

May the Lord bless and be pleased with your thought life today.

Dr. William Howe