Yesterday we learnt what it means to be entrusted with the gospel. Paul never failed to share the gospel and tell others about Christ. He never expected anything in return and only wanted to please God. Wherever Paul went, the gospel was on his lips and seen in his life.

Today, we read how Paul not only shared the gospel with the Thessalonians, but continued to care for their spiritual lives. He didn’t just leave them alone after telling them about Christ. Paul stayed with them to build up and strengthen them in the faith. Just like how parents look after their newborn child and pay special attention to the child’s needs, Paul also tended to their spiritual health as a spiritual father.

The Thessalonian church was dear to Paul and he cared for them deeply. Paul kept nothing from them. He went all out to teach them God’s Word, sparing no effort to encourage, comfort and share his life with the Thessalonians.

Just as a father cares for his children, so did Paul care for the Thessalonian Christians. The Thessalonian Church was a poor church and Paul didn’t want to trouble them to look after him. He worked hard day and night so that he could pay for his own living while staying with them.

God continues to give His children spiritual parents today. Like Paul, these are people who care very much for our spiritual health. Aren’t you glad that you have such people in your life? They spend much time and effort to teach us God’s Word. Spiritual parents could be your own parents, Sunday School teachers, or a more mature brother or sister-in-Christ. These people encourage us in our spiritual walk and desire for us to ‘walk worthy of God’ (verse 12). We ought to be thankful for them and spend time to pray for them and their ministry.

My spiritual parents are: _______________________

I want to thank God for them because: ___________ ___________________________________________

Thought: Spiritual parents are part of God’s plan to draw me closer to Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for my spiritual parents who care for my soul. Help me to be a blessing to them too. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.