”But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: so being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.“
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 KJV
Paul told the Thessalonian church, “Even though we could have imposed upon you our demands as apostles of Christ, instead we showed you kindness and were gentle among you. We cared for you in the same way a nursing mother cares for her own children. With a mother’s love and affectionate attachment to you, we were very happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our lives—because you had become so dear to us”. Although Paul was an apostle of the Messiah and could have demanded that honour, yet he and his team became vulnerable because the Thessalonian church became beloved to Paul. Just a few months before the Thessalonians were complete strangers to Paul. Now he states how dear they had become to his heart. True ministry is caring for others with a father’s and mother’s love - not exerting control or abusive authority over those whom we serve. This is how we love one another as the Messiah loves us. For we have been called to liberty; only not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love we serve one another. Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment