January 31, 2023
Daily Devotion:
“Conference of Doing Well"
1 Thessalonians 2:7
But we were very gentle with you, like a mother caring for her little children.
Some relationships come so easily and are so healthy and affirming, while with others, we struggle to connect. Maybe we aren't in a state of open hostility, but affection and love are hard to give or receive.
What causes difficult relationships? The list is endless and can relate to both you and others. Different points of view. Competition. Self-centeredness. Bad first impressions. Inability to communicate effectively.
Paul, who most scholars believe was single and never had in-laws, still knew something about challenging relationships. He writes to the church in Thessalonica as if they were his own children. He describes his ministry to them in intimate and highly relational language. His concern was that they be strong in their newfound faith and he didn't want any form of relationship conflict to undermine his teaching. He well understands the saying: People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.
So Paul’s approach to them was as gentle as a mother for her child (v. 7). His motives were pure and he never tried to manipulate them (v.3). His goal was not to be praised button please God (v.6). He wasn't a burden to them (v. 6), but loved and delighted in them (v. 7). As a great father deals with Aisha children, Paul encouraged, comforted, and challenged them to live worthy of God's call on them (w.11-12). And, not surprisingly, the people of Thessalonica responded very favorably to Paul's ministry (v.13). How wonderful when someone treats us in this way. A teacher. A boss or work colleague. A friend. A parent. An in-law. It's hard to resist such an overflow of love. Sometimes the people we most desire love and Approval from don't express love like Paul did. Instead, they undermine or keep us at a distance. It is then that we, like Paul, must choose first and foremost to please God. Then, whether or not our efforts succeed, we can experience the peace and confidence of doing all we can.
