Like a Nursing Mother

Wednesday - December 1st

Scripture to Read Today: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-10

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Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

1 Thessalonians 2:7b-8

There may not be a more intimate, nurturing relationship among human beings than that of a young mother nursing her newborn baby. The tenderness, care, and deeply personal connection between a nursing mother and child are hard to replicate. It is pure, sweet, and complete.

Under scrutiny from the church in Thessalonica, Paul defended his authority and authenticity as an Apostle of Jesus Christ. In his first letter to the Thessalonian believers, Paul said that while he was passionate about pleasing God, he was not rude to people. He described himself as approaching others like a gentle or young child (1 Thessalonians 2:7a). Paul also described his spiritually nurturing role in the lives of the young believers at Thessalonica as that of a nursing mother (1 Thessalonians 2:7b).

He even described how, like a nursing mother with a newborn, he delighted in providing them the milk of the Gospel while also giving his life for their spiritual well-being and growth. The apostle wants the Thessalonian believers to know how dear, precious, and nurturing his relationship with them is to him.

We again witness Paul eliminating any idea that his focus on pleasing God (not people) allowed him to behave rudely or abruptly with others. Paul declared, "We love you so much!" (1 Thessalonians 2:8). You can sense the care, tenderness, and nurturing approach the apostle has in his ministry – like a nursing mother.

Do other believers understand how much you care for them? Are there other followers of Christ with whom you have a spiritually nurturing role? Look for opportunities to engage another believer with that kind of love and tenderness over the next few days!

When we seek to please God (not people), we develop a nurturing and tender role in the lives of other believers!