Today we are reading 1 Thessalonians 2. In this chapter we read about the nature of Paul’s relationship with the Thessalonians. “For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.”
1 Thessalonians 2:1-7, 11-12 ESV Paul describes his relationship with the Thessalonians like a mother nursing her child or like a a father with his children. He is spiritually a father to those he brings to faith. Who are you like a parent to? What kind of feelings do you have for them? What kind of things do you do? How often do you think of them and pray for them? May God bless you and all your “children”! Pastor Tim
