Scripture to Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
Today we start with a question. We need to ask ourselves this, “How do I view other Christians who are not already my close friends?” We need to be honest with ourselves about this because, for many of us, we live with a very skeptical heart. In other words, some of us see the worst in others long before we see the best. We will question someone’s motives and assume they have a hidden agenda. Is this something new to the 21st Century? Absolutely not, for as we saw in yesterday’s devotion, God had led Paul to remind the Christians in Thessalonica that he, Silvanus, and Timothy did not come to take advantage of them. God continues to use Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, to share with the Thessalonian Christians that he, Silvanus, and Timothy behaved in a way that was gentle when they were with them. Then, God has Paul compare themselves to a loving mom who tenderly cares for her children. As Christians, this is how we are to read one another at all times. We need to be loving and caring toward one another, even when we feel the other person does not deserve our love and care. God loves and cares for us at all times, and we all know we definitely do not deserve God’s love and care. We must learn to have a fond affection for all believers and impart our lives to each other in the same way God used Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to impart their lives into the people in Thessalonica.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about yourself and how you are to love and care for others?
2. Who will you care for this week and impart the love of Christ to them?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!