Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
In these verses, Paul says some very significant things about the relationship between the leader of a church and their congregation. It wasn't quite like that, of course – this was a missionary situation, and he and Silas had formed a new church in Thessalonica comprising Jewish and Gentile believers. But his way of being with the church has a lot to say to us today. It was marked by personal integrity (verse 3) and a focus on their mission from God (verse 4). They were not interested in anyone else's approval or in asserting their authority (verse 6). Instead, they behaved like parents: gentle like a mother (verse 7), encouraging and aspirational like a father (verse 12). Of course these are parental stereotypes, but we know what he means.
The 'pastoral epistles' to Timothy and Titus contain advice directed straight to church leaders. But here we have Paul giving an example of how this works out in practice. There is no harshness or dominance here. He and Silas are not interested in using the church, to bolster their fragile egos or to make money or anything else. Just as parents want to see their children flourish and surpass them, he wants to see the Thessalonian Christians become all that God wants them to be – to 'live the kind of life that pleases God, who calls you to share in his own Kingdom and glory' (verse 12). That's a high standard for pastors today – and a high standard for every believer.
God, I pray for those in authority in my church. May they be loving and gentle towards those in their care, pointing them always to Jesus.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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