-October 15, 2024-
Good morning beloved, happy Tuesday,
“But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.”
(1 Thessalonians 2:7-8).
Paul was the best spiritual father. He loved the saints, sacrificed for them, taught them, prayed for them, and cared for their souls as a nursing mother. Though he was a father figure, he used a mother as a model for his ministry.
He mentions two qualities needed by every pastor, elder, and believer in Christ: gentleness and affection. We all like our doctors to have a good bedside manner, so too, we desire in our spiritual leaders to do the same.
Gentleness is one of the fruit of the Spirit. We all need a gentle spirit, and to speak words in grace and mercy. It is not to say there aren’t times when firmness and seriousness are appropriate, yet we can still be gentle. The Lord Jesus was strong, yet gentle and humble.
Affection is also a noble and special character trait. It makes difficult situations smoother. In the movie Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews sang the song, “Just a Spoon Full of Sugar Makes the Medicine Go Down.” It is true in giving medicines to children. Growing up, they gave us the polio and other vaccines in sugar cubes.
It is often said, “They don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” May the Lord help us to demonstrate the gentleness and affection of Christ. It can melt the hardest heart and smooth the roughest situation.
Have a blessed day living Christ and pouring yourself for others. Stay safe and healthy.
Godly character leads to godly words and behavior.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 