God's Glory Church

“For you know how each of you, like a father to his own children, we asked you, and exhorted and showed you, so that you behave worthy before God.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

A popular video of a bear trying to lead four restless cubs across a busy street made me smile with understanding. It was touching to watch how she took the cubs one by one and carried them across the road, and they immediately headed back. After a series of unsuccessful attempts, the mother bear was finally able to herd all four into a pile, and the obstacle was successfully overcome.

The tireless work of parents in raising children also served as an illustration for the apostle Paul, who described his concern for the church in Thessalonica. Instead of asserting his authority, the apostle compared his ministry to the Thessalonians to the way a father and mother care for their children (1 Thess. 2:7, 11). Deep love for the new converts (v. 8) prompted Paul to ask, persuade and even beg them to “behave worthily before God” (v. 12). This fervent appeal was dictated by a sincere desire to see them glorify God in all areas of their lives.

Paul’s attitude can serve as a good example, especially when the responsibilities of leadership begin to tire. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we can carefully and persistently show love to those under our care, encouraging them and pointing them to Christ.

Are you familiar with the experience of leadership motivated by love? How can you support those you are called to care for?

Heavenly Father, help me to treat people with the love and care that You showed me.

Author: Lisa Samra