Gentle as a Nurse 1 Thessalonians 2:7

Paul the apostle and his companions were “allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel” and were purposed to please God rather than men. They did not use “flattering words” or a “cloak of covetousness” when they shared with the Thessalonicans, nor did they seek the “glory” of the Thessalonians nor others and were not “burdensome” but served them as the “apostles of Christ”. In chapter two and verse seven of his letter, we learn that Paul was also “gentle as a nurse” in care for the people in Thessalonica where we read:

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children:

The verse begins, “But we were gentle among you,...” Paul began with the disassociation conjunction, “But” which means, “nevertheless, notwithstanding, an objection or exception” “we were gentle” or “affable, mild and kind” “among you” which refers to “the Thessalonians”. Paul knew he and his companions could have acted differently, however they chose to be kind and mild with them.

The verse continues, “...even as a nurse cherishes her children:” Paul added an example to his “gentle” care, “even as a nurse” or “nourisher” “cherishes” which means “to keep warm, cherish with tender love and foster with tender care” “her children” which refers to “offspring, patrons, helpers, teachers and children of God”. The idea is that Paul and his companions tenderly cared for the people of Thessalonica as though they depended upon, desired, had affection for and were addicted to it.

As we meditate upon Paul's words, we see how he cared for the people in the church of Thessalonica. Not only did he give them instruction in the “gospel of Jesus Christ” but he dedicated himself to the people as well. He and his companions were kind, caring, cherishing, and tender with the people. Too many times those who give instruction transmit a greater message by their lack of care for the people they teach. It is said, “people do not care what you have to say until they know how much you care”, and though Paul didn't use this phrase, he and his entourage exemplified it. In light of this, our prayer should be that we “care” for the people Jesus has brought into our lives, and when we do, may they hear the “good news” of Jesus Christ not only spoken but also portrayed through our gentle nursing care.

Next time Paul writes about how he and his companions were “willing to have imparted” their “own souls”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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