In my speed, busyness, and rush to do all I can in this life, I can be a bit too short, callous, and lacking attentiveness with people. Do you ever get that way? Do you say in your mind “not now, later” to someone needing help, a listening ear or encouragement? The apostle Paul, Silvanus and Timothy worked late nights so that they could give their best to the new believers in Thessaloniki. I love the illustration Paul uses- “we were like a nursing mother” and like a father with his own children. Wow! Can you imagine a world where we all took the time for each other and related as if we were our own family? Now that’s a church everyone would love!
But we proved to be gentle among you. As a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children, in the same way we had a fond affection for you and were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly and rightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. Thessalonians 2:7-8;10-11 NASB
How has God been gentle, patient and caring with me? How can I be more like Jesus in caring for others?
God, as this day begins- I am thinking about people… people You have placed in my life. May I interact in such a gentle and loving manner that I please You and am used by You to encourage, inspire, and care. Help me be behave devoutly, rightly and blamelessly today.
