S) "7 But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children."
1 Thessalonians 2:7 (NASB)
O) Paul was confirming his relationship to the church in Thessalonica, that he had great affection for them. He was encouraging them that his exhortations and teachings were because of his great love for them, and that his motives were pure. In this particular verse, he conveys his relationship as a nurturing one. In his letters, he might come across very stern, but he didn't want the people of the church to misinterpret and forget his gentleness and care for this church, which he viewed as his children.
A) Evangelism is tricky for me to reconcile in my head, sometimes. On the one hand, I understand the simplicity of sharing my testimony and maybe inviting someone to church. On the other hand, I see how Paul talked to the churches he planted. His intimacy with them was heartfelt and deep. He was not dropping off a tract with a Bible verse and a phone number or address. He invested in lives. Sometimes I see that and I think that's how I ought to do it. On the other hand, that takes a lot of time and energy, and it seems like I just don't have that level of availability. Then I remember that, for one thing, I have children of my own who need to know the gospel. They need to be made disciples of Christ. Also, I have family members who do not love Jesus. There is time and opportunity there, already. After all, I already have intimacy (at least to some, varying degrees) built with them. I don't need to imagine some weekend crusade, hitting the streets with the gospel and a bull horn. I don't need to imagine some mentoring process with me and some stranger I don't even know. I need to focus on reaching the people I already love, who don't know Jesus Christ like they might. I need to be gentle among them, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. I need to be peaceful and gracious. But, through all of that, I still need to be bold and honest. I need to remember that evangelism is not about brow-beating or manipulating. It's about lovingly investing in someone (that I probably already love), and sharing my story with transparency, and trusting God with the rest.
P) Father, Your goodness and grace are real. I do believe it. I am not ashamed or unsure of the truth in the gospel. But, I confess to being afraid. I am afraid of rejection, and afraid of animosity. I'm afraid that people I already love will not love You. I know that only You can save people, though. I know that it is the Holy Spirit who draws people to the truth, and opens eyes and ears, and soften hearts. None of these are my responsibilities. It is only up to me to speak up. So, please send Your Spirit among my unsaved family. Open eyes and ears, and soften hearts. And give me the boldness to speak up. I cannot honestly ask for opportunity, because I know it is already there. So instead, I ask for Your perfect timing, and my immediate obedience. Let me trust in Your will, and plan, and sovereignty. But, don't let me leave anything on the table. I don't want to leave any cards in my hands. Be glorified in all my life, and let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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