If Timothy comes to you, be sure that he has no reason to be afraid while he's with you, because he does the work of the Lord just like I do. So don't let anyone disrespect him, but send him on in peace so he can join me. I'm waiting for him along with the brothers and sisters.

1 Corinthians 16:10-11 CEB

I love Paul's heart shown here in his concern for Timothy. 

But I do wonder why Paul felt he needed to write this:

"Make sure he has no reason to be afraid"

"Don't let anyone disrespect him".

What was it with Timothy that Paul would be so concerned?

Regardless of what it was this is Church Basics 101:

Be a place of safety. 

Be a place where people are accepted and valued. 

2 Tim 1:5 tells us that Timothy comes from a family on his Mum's side of multigenerational faith. But that doesn't tell Timothy's whole story becuase something in his story, his appearance, his way of doing things, his language, accent, ethnicity, family, something makes him a target for others. 

Perhaps it's more than church basics but Christian Basics 101:

Be people who are safe for others (even if we don't know their story.)

Be people who accept and value others (in and with their differences.)

And if you feel unsafe or not accepted, know that's not how it's meant to be. 

#corinthians

#somethingtochewon

#youareBeloved