We've been studying 1 Thessalonians the past couple of days, and it's been so rewarding in the vision that Paul gives for pastoring and church planting. Reading this book has made us more excited for getting into ministry. Particularly in chapter 2, Paul seems to set forth a progression that is really amazing. He writes, "we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children" (2:7). A few verses later, he says, "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" (2:11-12).
There seems to be a progression here. He's saying that initial he loved the fledgling believers like a mother loves her children full of grace, compassion, gentleness and tenderness. There came a time when Paul realized that simple gentleness wasn't going to cut it - that a father was needed. Someone who not only loved but encouraged and urged them onto maturity.
Finally, Paul refers to these beloved people as brethren or brothers and sisters - the goal of any pastor. It's my heart that we get to see people grew so much in Christ that they become true brothers and sisters.
That's just a snippet of how sweet this epistle is.
