Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8.

 

“For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain,

 

² but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.

 

³ For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit;

 

⁴ but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.

 

⁵ For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness—

 

⁶ nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.

 

⁷ But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.

 

⁸ Having so fond an affection 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 very dear to us.”  1 Thessalonians 2:1-8.

 

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Paul set a good example for us of having a gentle ministry.  He compares his ministry to “a nursing mother (who) tenderly cares for her own children”.  He was so fond of the Thessalonians that he was willing to “impart” or sacrifice his own life for them.

 

In teaching us to follow his example, Paul elaborated:  “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.”  2 Timothy 2:24-26.

 

For a gentle ministry, we can also follow the example of our Lord.

 

Isaiah 40:11
“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom;  He will gently lead the nursing ewes.”

 

Isaiah 49:15
“Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb?  Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.”

 

Matthew 11:29
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.”

 

 

However, despite his love, care, and gentleness, Paul felt the need to defend his ministry to the Thessalonians in today’s Scripture and also to the Corinthians:  “I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls.  If I love you more, am I to be loved less?”  2 Corinthians 12:15.

 

The lesson for us is that in our ministry we too may not be appreciated for our love, care, and gentleness, but we still must be patient, kind, and gentle.

 

 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22-23.

 

Moreover, through God’s grace, we can persevere and be patient, kind, and gentle even when we are opposed and persecuted! 

 

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand;  and we exult in hope of the glory of God.  And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;  and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;  and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Romans 5:1-5.

 

In conclusion, we can even be joyful when it seems that despite the length of our ministry and our best efforts in our ministry, we don’t receive the appreciation and affection that we may deserve.  “But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.”  Philippians 2:17