TEACH YOUR CHILDREN BY WHAT YOU DO

12. According to 2 Timothy 1:5, what effect did Eunice’s example have on Timothy?

¹² Read 2 Timothy 1:5. Eunice set a good example for Timothy. She must have taught him that true faith involves action. (Jas. 2:26) Timothy could no doubt see that his mother’s actions were motivated by her strong love for Jehovah. Timothy surely saw that serving Jehovah made his mother happy. What effect did Eunice’s example have on Timothy? As the apostle Paul noted, Timothy shared his mother’s faith. This was no coincidence. Timothy had observed her example and was moved to imitate it. Similarly today, many mothers have reached the heart of family members “without a word.” (1 Pet. 3:1, 2) You can do the same. How?

13. Why should a mother make her relationship with Jehovah her priority?

¹³ Make your relationship with Jehovah your priority. (Deut. 6:5, 6) Like most mothers, you make many sacrifices. You give up time, money, sleep, and other things to care for your children’s physical needs. But you should never be so busy caring for those needs that you sacrifice your relationship with Jehovah. Regularly set aside time for private prayer, personal study of the Bible, and congregation meetings. By doing so, you will strengthen yourself spiritually and set a good example for your family as well as for others.

16. What effect can a mother’s example have on others?

¹⁶ Mothers, remember that your example affects others. How so? Consider the effect that Eunice’s example had on the apostle Paul. He recognized that Timothy’s unhypocritical faith “dwelled first in . . . Eunice.” (2 Tim. 1:5) When did Paul first observe Eunice’s faith? It was likely during his first missionary tour that he met Lois and Eunice at Lystra, and he may have helped them to become Christians. (Acts 14:4-18) Just think: When Paul wrote to Timothy​—some 15 years later—​Paul still remembered Eunice’s faithful actions and used her as an example worthy of imitation! Obviously, she had made a lasting impression on the apostle and likely on many other first-century Christians. If you are raising your children without a mate or in a religiously divided household, be assured that your faithful example strengthens and motivates those around you.