2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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LIKE A NURSING MOTHER
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
1 Thessalonians 2:7
Isaiah 49:15
“…as a nurse cherisheth
her children.”
LIKE A NURSING MOTHER
Of all the relationships in the world, one of the noblest and most selfless is that of a mother and her newborn child. Even before the child is born, the mother bears him in her womb, enduring nine months of pregnancy and a painful childbirth to bring him into the world. Once the child is born, she hovers over him with the most tender affection, ceaselessly seeing to his every need. In return, the baby does nothing but sleep, soil himself and cry for food. Yet she lovingly tends to him, often sacrificing sleep and personal comforts to ensure that he is cared for, well fed and comfortable. That is the love that a nursing mother has for her children. It is a selfless, sacrificial and unconditional love that wants only what is best for the child. This is how she gently cherishes her children with such noble affection.
This is the picture that Paul used to describe the way that he related to the Thessalonian church. He regarded them as his newborn children, gently caring for them, like a mother would her children. He lovingly led them to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and did all in his power to nurture them with the milk and meat of the Word of God. He laboured hard in their midst and was willing to endure persecution and hardships so that they could grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
This sets the example of how we ought to serve one another. Our disposition must always be like a nursing mother – loving, kind and selfless. We must be patient, especially to those who are babes in Christ. We must be gentle as a mother would be over her crying infant. We must be willing to put self aside and endure discomforts and difficulties to ensure that they are cared for spiritually and nurtured with the Word of God. We are to take time to disciple them, teach them the Word of God and instruct them in the way of Christ. Yes, it will require sacrifice and dedication. But we must do so, because this is how God loves us.
THOUGHT: Have I been lovingly cared for when I was a spiritual babe in Christ?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou place love and compassion in my heart as I seek to serve those around me.