For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

1 Thessalonians 2:5-8

As Paul continued his letter to the church in Thessalonica, he reminded the people of his heart for ministry as he lived with the people.

In the passage in the sidebar, Paul uses a few interesting pictures to describe his desire to shared the Gospel.

In verse seven he reminds them of his gentleness as a nursing mother. Not only did he want to share the Gospel, but he shared his life because connection with the people as fellow believers.

Do you have people in your life who you want to share life? If we have learned anything in the last year or so, it should be that we need people in our lives. Isolation has done much more harm than good.

Later in verse eleven, Paul described himself as a “father with his children.” Here his role was that of an encourager who was concerned that the believers “walk in a manner worthy of God.”

Has someone encouraged you in your walk today? Have you encouraged someone else?

Which role can you fill today in someone else’s life?