APR 10

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
Memorise 1 Thessalonians 2:8
“… as a nurse cherisheth her children”

Gentleness is a generally well-understood virtue. In today’s passage, Paul uses the image of a “nurse” – a mother or the caretaker of a child – as a means to show how gentle the apostles were when delivering God’s Word. This comparison therefore tells us that gentleness involves the general behaviour of a person; it is characterised by the same tenderness that a mother would show to her children, and not with sharp or harsh words.

Importantly, this gentleness cannot be merely outward - it must come from the heart. Paul states that he and the other apostles were “affectionately desirous” towards the Christians, and that they were willing to give to the uttermost because the Christians “were dear unto [them]”. Although the word “gentleness” focuses on the tenderness of a person’s outward demeanour, it comes with an inward love.

It is easy to be brusque, curt, or harsh with others, particularly to those whom we know well, or to complete strangers. Our family members often see the less gentle side of us, since we are more prone to behave mildly towards those who are not as close to us. However, a Christian is supposed to behave differently from the world, and the gentleness we exhibit is one way in which we can show that we are of Christ.

The gentleness we are called to display is more than mere mildness in our demeanour. As seen in this passage, gentleness is seen because of a deep care that we have for others. Paul and the apostles were gentle because they desired to see the Christians accept the Gospel, and then to grow in the Word of God. As a result, they did their best to nurture the Christians with love and tender care, instead of always exercising their apostolic authority and demanding submission. In the same manner, our gentleness must not be simply for appearance’s sake – cultivating gentleness towards those around us requires us to care first for their souls. This will lead us to behave gently towards unbelievers, so we can share the Gospel, and to believers, so that we can build them up in the faith.

Thought: Do I treat those around me with gentleness?
Prayer: Lord, grant me a love for others so that I can minister to them with gentleness.