1 Thessalonians 2:7. “But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.”
As the Apostle Paul is reconnecting with the Thessalonians, he takes a moment to remind them of his earlier ministry with them. He first conveyed that his ministry was one of integrity. He tells them in 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 that his “preaching did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness — God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.”
Having reminded them of how he handled the precious message of the gospel entrusted to him by God, he now reminds them that he handled them with extreme care. He says he was gentle. He showed them tender loving care just as a mother handles her precious newborn child.
One can easily picture this, can one not? As a mother holds her child in her hands so carefully, tenderly, and lovingly, protecting and providing for her newborn, Paul says his ministry was holding each Thessalonian with care, tenderness, and love, protecting and providing for them. He was gentle with them!
As we work with people, we must always remember that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Even with those who are difficult, we are to handle them with care and gentleness. Recall 2 Timothy 2:24-26 says, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”
From the Apostle Paul’s example, we are called to guide and grow people with gentleness!
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Handle people with care!
Continue Strong showing gentleness to others,
And remember to DATE The Word