The Value of Mothers and �A God-Given Example We Can All Follow.

1Thess. 2:7-8

⁷ But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. ⁸ 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. (1Thess. 2:7-8)

Paul in Thessalonica

Acts 17:1-9

Paul’s Behaviour Amongst the Thessalonians

Paul’s Behaviour Amongst the Thessalonians

1.) Stepping Down into the World of Another with Gentleness

⁷ But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 

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‘Gentle’ = nepios (Gk)

“i.e. an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian:—babe, child (+ -ish).”

 Leon Morris, 1 and 2 Thessalonians: An Introduction and Commentary 

“If this be the reading the meaning would seem to be (with Origen and Augustine): ‘like a nurse among her children talking in baby language’. It would indicate the tender way the preachers adapted themselves to their hearers. They took up no attitude of superiority.”

^{Matthew 11:28-30}

²⁸ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

^{John 19:26-27}

“²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” ²⁷ Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

Current moms, spiritual moms of the future, don’t downplay how the Lord has wired to step into the pain of your children’s lives. Show gentleness, not because you have authority, but because you have been understood by Jesus.

To the greater body of Christ: we must balance correction with gentleness. Before you want to offer counsel, and guidance or a stern word – listen and be present. Step into their situation and be as Jesus does to us.

^{Galatians 6:1-2}

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. ² Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Application

1. Mothers: Don’t downplay the value of your acts of gentleness. When you step down to the level of your child’s pain, they see a reflection of Jesus. It’s powerful and impactful.
2. Body of Christ: Remember how Jesus did it with you first. Never consider yourself too high to stoop down and show compassion to a younger brother or sister in their challenge in Christ.

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2.) Nurse with Tender Care

⁷ But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 

^{1Thessalonians 1:6-8}

⁶ And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, ⁷ so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. ⁸ For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 

^{2Corinthians 1:3-4}

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

1Peter 2:2

² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 

Application

1. Mothers: You have may passed the nursing stage. But let the Spirit of God help you recall that process. Let it be a reminder to continue to show patience and tender care in your development of you children.
2. Body of Christ: Mediate upon the value of being a comfort for someone, so that they could be a comfort for another later in late. See that your willingness to be a vessel of tender care can spur on the kingdom of God in the future.

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3.) Give The Gospel and Your Lives

⁸ 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. (1Thess. 2:8)

Generational Passing of the Faith

• ⁵ I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. (2Timothy 1:5)

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• But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. ² Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. ³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, ⁴ and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, ⁵ to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. ⁶ Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. (Titus 2:1-6)

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Application

1. Mothers: The Gospel will never lose importance in your home. Repeat it and bind it over your children’s lives. As kids and as adults, we will never grow too old for the Gospel.
2. Body of Christ: Does your live reflect the Good News? Let the Gospel not just be a proclamation. May our lives be shared as an overflow of the Good News that has transformed from within.

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RECAP