Reading for Thursday, Dec 13: 1 Thess. 2

Paul writes in a loving, pastoral tone in this letter. He compares his ministry among the Thessalonians to the gentle care of a nursing mother (v7) and the encouraging charge of a father (v11-12).

One of the true blessings of the body of Christ is the spiritual companionship of fellow disciples. I have been very fortunate to receive encouragement and care from a host of godly men and women over the course of my life. From an early age, Miss Frances — the elderly lady who sat one pew behind us at church — took an interest in me, showering me with hugs and candies each Sunday. Glen Lecornu came to visit my father quite a bit when he was sick and after his death, I became his buddy. Mr. Glen worked at the Texas Boot Co. and each year he’d show up at our house with a new pair of boots especially for me. Al Carmen was a deacon at our church who asked me to join him as he counted attendance during Sunday school. Feeling like I had a “job” was huge for me as I was growing up.

These saints and countless more have made eternal contributions in my life and I am thankful for their loving and spiritual influence. If you have enjoyed these kinds of relationships in the body of Christ like I have, take a moment today and thank God for these spiritual “mothers” and “fathers” and the impact they’ve had on your life.