Christian parents are to make disciples of their children in the home. As Paul writes to the Thessalonians, he addresses his work among them as a mother and as a father. This picture reminds us of the role that Christian parents should have with their children. Christian parents are to gentle care for their children, to instruct them and guide them in their own discoveries of Jesus and ultimately into a growing relationship with Jesus. Part of this process comes through properly engaging the word of God and allowing it to transform, first the lives of the parents, who can then function as guides to lead their children effectively in their own walk with the Lord. This is not just for Christian parents, but the role of all believers in the lives of one another. Christian parents and believers must intentionally train children and fellow-believers to successfully follow Jesus.
Throughout the letters to the Thessalonians, Paul writes to encourage these believers through his pastoral words of comfort, instruction and exhortation. He writes of his relationship and love for the church; he encourages them to grow in their faith, to increase in their love for God and one another and to hope in the God who controls not just their future but their present circumstances.
