Fond Affection

Pastor Dave Monreal, Lead Pastor

“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”

1 Thessalonians 2:8

This section of Paul’s letter is a fascinating study of the relational connection the Apostle Paul had with the Thessalonian believers. Apparently, he was being bad-mouthed being accused of not honestly caring for them. They said Paul was in it for himself. In verses 1-6 of this chapter Paul reminds them that he did not speak out of error, impurity, or deceit. He didn’t worry about what other thought of him, and he didn’t speak to please men. He didn’t speak to flatter his audience nor was he attempting to get rich. He didn’t speak just to make a name for himself.

So how did Paul relate to the believers? “But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.” (v. 7) Later he said, “For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” (vs. 11-12) Paul said like a mother he cared for God’s people and sacrificed for their good. Like a father he called them out in love to encourage, exhort, and challenge them to faithfully walk with God. What amazing imagery! He encourages us to think of the best of parents and care for others in that way. Like a mother, he was tender and caring. Like a father, he was engaged and encouraging.

This is not impersonal ministry for Paul. He revealed his heart to them in verse 8, “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” Paul loved the people, not in a cool, detached way but with fond affection. When he thought about God’s people his heart swelled with love. He longed to be with them. What he says is mind-blowing. He not only wanted to share the gospel with them, but he also wanted to pour out his life in love to them. He longed to be with them to give himself away in ministry. This is what it means to minister like Jesus. Jesus left the glories of heaven and walked this sin-stained earth. He loved his people and gave himself for them.

We tend to downplay emotions in the Christian life. Of course, truth is the foundation of all we believe and all we do. But we do not minister at a distance with detached disinterest. No, we roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty becoming involved in the details of others’ lives. Yes, our first motivation is love for God because he first loved us. But we are also to love our neighbor as ourselves. This love for others flows out of the love found in our relationship with Christ. When we long to love others, only then are we fully ministering the gospel in Jesus’ name.