As a father does

as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, - 1 Thessalonians 2v11

I love this little section where Paul uses familial language to describe how they had taught the Thessalonian believers. You can almost see the ‘family of God’ imagery he uses. Paul loved the believers as gently as a nursing mother loves her baby. They faithfully used the word of God to instruct them. They gave the gospel and poured out their lives. They were devout and just and blameless. They set the right example,

In verse 11 we see that they not only were as gentle as a nursing mother, but they also acted in a fatherly role. The exhorted, comforted, and charged he believers like fathers do their children. These three aspects to the fatherly role of leadership set an example for leaders today.

They exhorted the believers. They were always there to encourage the church to continue on. They picked them up when they were down. Their teaching was such that people we motivated to carry on.

They comforted the believers. In times of discouragement they were there to give comfort. In times of personal pain they were there to ease the pain. They knew what trials were like and were therefore able to help other in their trials.

The charged the believers. They motivated them through the truth. They reminded them that there was a job to do, a task to be accomplished, and a godly life to live.

This is a fascinating section for any church leader or teacher. Are we as gentle as that sweet nursing mother? Do we, in a loving, fatherly way exhort, comfort, and charge others?

We often talk about pastors equipping the saints with the right tools, but it is there is also a personal and loving aspect to our ministry.