As a pastor, one of my favorite passages about ministry comes in today’s reading. In 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul is reminding the people there about how he ministered to them while he was with them. And he says:
“We were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.” (2.7-8)
A few verses later, he uses another metaphor:
“And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.” (2.11-12)
Like a mother; as a father. I love this because it shows that true ministry involves both motherly nurture and fatherly correction. You love and share yourself with someone, but you also strive to speak truth, to call them to move to a place that honors God more fully. Indeed, this is how God loves us as well. He loves us and meets us where we are, but he loves us too much to let us stay there.
As we follow God, some of us are more inclined to emphasize his love that accepts us where we are. Others of us are inclined to focus on who he is calling us to become. And we need both desperately.
We need discipline that is grounded in God’s acceptance of us.
We need acceptance that isn’t cheap, but is grounded in his transformative discipline.
Truth and Grace. Grace and Truth.
Lord, grace and truth come together perfectly in You. Thank you for loving me where I am, but refusing to let me stay there. Help me respond to you today. Amen.
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