“But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8).
In today’s internet age of hostile criticism, aggressive confrontation, hot takes, and social media “flame wars,” Paul the Apostle’s description of his ministry among the Thessalonians reads like the literary equivalent of a breath of fresh air. Unlike those who resorted to personal attacks in defense of their beliefs, Paul sought to communicate the Word of God in a way that didn’t repel or alienate others.
However, this approach was not only characteristic of Paul’s ministry at Thessalonica. He also communicated a similar idea in the New Testament epistle of 1 Corinthians when he said, “…whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him” (1 Corinthians 9:22 TLB).
Paul later revealed the ultimate source of his affection for the Thessalonians in another letter to the Corinthian church when he wrote, “…the love of Christ compels us…” (2 Corinthians 5:14). Thus we can say that Paul’s affection for the Thessalonians was not simply rooted in a feeling or emotional sentiment. Instead, Paul’s fondness for the Thessalonians was built upon the love of Christ as expressed by the characteristics that are described for us in another well-known portion of Scripture from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7…
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV).
Finally, Paul drew upon the powerful imagery of a nursing mother to express this aspect of his relationship with the members of the Thessalonian church. Just as a nursing mother selflessly imparts her life to provide nourishment for her infant child, Paul shared his life with the young and growing Christian community at Thessalonica to help facilitate their growth.
Like any nursing infant, there would come a time when the Thessalonians would have to “leave the breast” on their way to spiritual maturity. But for Paul, that sense of warmth and affection for the Thessalonians would undoubtedly remain.