From Diane Jarvey

Pass It On

FAITH THAT MULTIPLIES

Did you ever make a paper chain at school, looping one strip through another until it stretched across the classroom? It was simple – just bits of coloured paper – but once connected, they became something beautiful: a reminder that we’re all part of the same creation.

Faith can be like that, too. It’s not meant to stand alone but to link together lives, stories and acts of love, forming a chain that stretches across generations. Think back to those who believed in you. Those who took time to listen, encourage and point out where they saw God at work in your life.

Their faith became the link that drew you closer to God’s story. And now, it’s your turn. Faith isn’t meant to stop with us; it grows stronger when we pass it on. Each time we share what God has taught us, his story continues on as one long, unbroken chain of grace.

In 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV), Paul writes:

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

Paul understood the strength of community and the power of shared faith. His words to Timothy weren’t just about leadership; they were about continuing the chain of God’s legacy. Paul wanted Timothy to invest in others, to teach and encourage them, so they too could pass on what they had learned. In this way, the message of Christ would keep multiplying, one faithful life linking to another, forming an unbroken chain of truth and grace that would carry God’s story forward through generations.

Faith is meant to flow through us, not just to us. Paul’s words remind us that discipleship is a living chain of love, truth and encouragement that stretches across generations.

Each of us holds a unique ‘link’: our stories, our prayers, our lessons, our experiences of God’s faithfulness. These are not meant to be tucked away but shared with others who are still finding their way. We don’t need all the answers or a title to make a difference. Sometimes, it’s as simple as sitting beside someone who’s struggling, praying with a friend, or gently reminding someone of God’s promises.

When we invest in others, we strengthen the chain. The same way Paul poured into Timothy, we’re called to pour into the next person, helping them discover their own calling and confidence in Christ. That’s how faith multiplies: link by link, heart by heart.

Maybe today God is inviting you to notice who’s in your world. Who could use your encouragement, your story or your time? You might be surprised how your simple act of faith becomes the next strong link in someone else’s journey.

Reflection

• Why not make a ‘paper chain of prayer’, adding a link for each person who has invested in your faith journey?
• Then, create new links by writing the names of people you can pray for, encourage or walk beside.
• Who might God be prompting you to reach out to this week? Who needs your encouragement, your story or your presence?

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for the mentors and friends who have believed in me and helped my faith grow. Please open my eyes to see who I can now encourage, support and invest in. Give me courage to share my story and grace to walk patiently beside others. Help me to be faithful in passing on what you’ve entrusted to me so that your love keeps multiplying, link by link, heart by heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.