S – Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, ² older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters with all purity. 

1 Timothy 5:1–2 CSB

O – Commentary:

Older man translates presbyteros, the plural of which is rendered “elders” in 4:14. Here, however, Paul was not referring to those who hold the office of overseer. The word denotes “elderly” men, in contrast with younger men (cf. Titus 2:2–3 where the same word is used to contrast “older men” and “older women”). Timothy was to appeal to the older men as he would his own father—not with rough rebukes but with gentle exhortations. Young men may be treated somewhat more directly, yet with fraternity as if they were Timothy’s own brothers. Older women were to receive all the respect Timothy would accord his own mother Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5). Younger women were likewise to be treated respectfully, with the absolute purity (hagneia; cf. 1 Tim. 4:12) Timothy would grant his own sister. This would safeguard the young minister from reproach.

“1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – What would it look like if this was practiced today?  Older men would be honored and respected. Older women would be honored and loved.  Younger men would act like brothers and look at young women in purity and protect them.  It would be an amazing foundation for relationships and achievement.  As Paul encouraged Timothy, we are encouraged to do the same.

R – Heavenly Father, you are worthy of our praise and honor.  Thank you for the relationships you put in our lives.  All the men and women help mold our character and integrity.  We can impact them with your love and in our faith.  We invite the Holy Spirit to help us make a difference in those relationships today.