Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace… which is why I suffer as I do.
– 2 Timothy 1:8-12a
A spiritual parent doesn’t merely teach truth with words. They live it out in full view of their spiritual children. In this passage, Paul does exactly that. Writing from prison, he calls Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel or of him, the imprisoned apostle. But more than that, he extends a bold invitation: join with me in suffering for the gospel. This is not the kind of guidance that shields or protects from hardship. It’s a fatherly appeal that says, “Watch my life—see how I suffer for Christ—and walk this same path with me.”
Spiritual parenthood involves modelling a life shaped by the gospel, even when that life leads through hardship, rejection, or loss. Paul doesn’t glorify suffering for its own sake, but he embraces it as part of the holy calling we’ve received in Christ. He shows Timothy that suffering is not a sign of failure, but of faithfulness. In this earthly life, we often celebrate fathers for their sacrifices. In the same way, spiritual fathers are those who lay down their lives for the sake of the gospel—and who invite others to do the same with courage, not shame. They don’t promise ease; they show endurance. And they teach, by example, what it looks like to follow Jesus when it costs everything.
Prayer
Lord, help me to model faithfulness in both joy and suffering. Give me the courage to walk the hard road of obedience, and to invite others to follow not just my words, but my life. Amen.
Meditation
Am I modelling the kind of gospel-shaped life that I would want others to follow—even when it involves suffering?