¹Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, ²the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. 1 Timothy 5:1-2

Here Paul gives Timothy instructions on how to communicate truth; how to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), so to speak. He points to four types of people in Timothy’s congregation; older men, older women, and brothers and sisters in the Lord. These principles really can apply in any situation where truth must be transmitted, by anybody.

“Sharply rebuke” means to “verbally strike,” not pulling punches. You’ve heard, “you wouldn’t speak to your father that way!” A certain respect is due your earthly father, and the same goes for men older than you in years and spiritual maturity.

If older men are to be treated with respect, it goes without saying the same goes for older women, but with a lot of gentleness.

Now if Timothy was to get in anybody’s face, it would be with a brother in the Lord. Good examples of this kind of “brotherly” communication were between Peter and Paul (Galatians 2:11) and Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:39). Younger men are typically resilient and open enough to bear revelations of “blind spots” in their lives. But don’t think this brotherly communication is a one-way street! Be prepared to receive a truth salvo back in your face!

Finally, a sister in the Lord should be addressed delicately and tenderly, with all the care one can muster. It is good to approach an interaction with a young woman with the mindset that she is totally unaware of her error, that she is virtuous and chaste in the matter. She may not be, but your manner will be suitable for the task.

In all cases, Timothy must still deliver the truth, but “in love.” That makes what might be a bitter pill go down smoothly.