Download a printable Discussion Guide for CELEBRATE: Days 29 to 35

You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.  We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.  Instead, we were like young children among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,  so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.  Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.  You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,  encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

1 Thessalonians 2:5-12

In today’s passage the Apostle Paul describes himself and his team as “a nursing mother who cares for her children ” (v.7) He goes on to say “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God who calls you into his kingdom and glory” (v11). He could have described his team in terms of soldiers, farmers or athletes as he does elsewhere, but for these new Christians he chose to use the analogy of a nursing mother and an attentive father. The baby needs milk to grow which the nursing mother provides. The father is an encourager, comforter and guide. This is a very intimate picture of discipleship. There is no mass production but a learning environment like one receives in a family that provides personalized care that helps new believers get strong and keep growing!

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In spiritual parenting… together…