These are just some personal remarks from Paul to Timothy. Can we really get anything out of them? Absolutely!
Look at verses 14-15, Paul warns Timothy to stay away from Alexander the metalworker. Why does this stand out to me? It's a good example of how to talk about someone. Paul doesn't go into detail. He doesn't use harsh language or call Alexander names. He doesn't tear down his character. He simply states a fact - the man did Paul a great deal of harm. He warns Timothy to be on guard around him. It is so easy to fall into gossip. So easy to allow our anger to rule our language. So, so easy to say bad things about people. Don't! A simple statement such as Paul's is all that is needed.
Also, Paul practiced forgiveness. People abandoned him - he forgave. Paul understands that people are people, sometimes they let you down. But no one perfect, so cut people a little slack. God is perfect. He's always there, so rely on him instead.
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