But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, (I Thessalonians 2:7-11)

When an obstetrician hands a baby off to the parents and says, “You have a beautiful baby boy/girl,” that doctor’s work is finished; however, the parents’ work is just beginning. Ahead lies a continuum of love and training, all the way from diapers to adulthood.

Likewise, when the gospel entered Thessalonica, newborn believers were not left unattended but rather entrusted to gospel parents.

• A Gospel Parent Has Motherly Tenderness.

“…even as a nurse cherisheth her children:”

The missionaries, fully developed and matured in the faith, lovingly and delicately fed the newborn believers at Thessalonica the “milk of the Word.” (I Cor. 3:2; Heb. 5:12-13; I Peter 2:2) It took more than sophisticated teaching to bring the flock to maturity. The Bible tells us: “Without charity I am as a sounding brass and tinkling symbol.” (I Cor. 13:1) Demonstrating the selfless love of Christ assures healthy Christian children.

“…So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us…”

King Solomon demonstrated his wisdom by proving a real mother. The unnatural mother accepted Solomon’s offer to cut the baby in half and give a portion to both women in the dispute, but the real mother quickly displayed her affection for the child. Likewise, a real gospel parent loves the newborn believer.

• A Gospel Parent Displays Continual Labor.

“Sun to sun, a mother’s work is never done.” In parental fashion, Paul and company “labored night and day,” providing not only for themselves but also for the souls God had entrusted to them.

The labour of a parent includes endless demonstration of behavior, patient teaching, and plenty of prayer. A gospel laborer is not a shift worker but is a parent both “night and day.”

• A Gospel Parent Gives Fatherly Instruction.

“…we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father…”

While the mother is a natural nurturer, the father is the strength of the family. He provides confidence and calmness as well as challenges his children.

Gospel parents exhibit strong spiritual maturity, providing words of confidence and comfort. Yet, they are also willing to challenge young believers to take the next step of faith.

1 John 2:14, I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.