“Motherly characteristics” and “Paul’s life” do not at first seem to go together. However, on this day that we traditionally honor mothers, let us examine some statements made by Paul about his relationship with the Thessalonians. From these we will learn both the affectionate concern that Paul had for Christians in the first century and the affectionate concern that mothers, and for that matter, all of us, are to have in the twenty-first century.

Gentleness

While discussing his visit with the Thessalonians, Paul points out the ways he and his coworkers did not act. “For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: ...not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 6Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others” (1 Thes. 2:3-6a). Paul further declared that while he was with them, “we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ” (1 Thes. 2:6b). “Might have been burdensome [claimed authority, ASV; made demands, NKJ]” is from a Greek expression that literally means to “impose one’s weight.” Paul is saying that he could have “thrown his weight around” as an apostle of Christ and authoritatively demanded of them.

Instead of that, however, Paul said, “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children” (1 Thes. 2:7). Instead of throwing their weight around, Paul and his coworkers gently entreated the Thessalonians. The word “gentle,” as used here, is the opposite of throwing one’s weight around. It means to be kind and empathetic. This characteristic is further defined as a “nurse [nursing mother, NKJ] cherisheth her children.” There are few images, ancient or modern, that convey loving gentleness like the picture of a young mother gently nurturing and cuddling her newborn child. The word “cherisheth” is translated from a Greek word that means to take care of.  The only other occurrence of this word in the NT is found where Paul says, “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church” (Eph. 5:29).

As mothers are naturally kind and loving to their children, so was Paul toward the Thessalonians. The reports we hear of mothers abandoning or even murdering their babies are the exception, not the rule. We are thankful for the mothers among us who have gently and lovingly nurtured their children. From their example, all of us can learn. All Christians are to have this gentle disposition. “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves” (2 Tim. 2:24-25).

Self-Sacrificing

Paul continues to remind the Thessalonians how he and his coworkers conducted themselves while they were with them. “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” (1 Thes. 2:8). Paul and his coworkers not only gave the Gospel to the Thessalonians, but they also gave their own selves! Their desire was to give their all to these brethren. “Affectionately desirous [longing, NKJ]” expresses a real depth of desire. “Willing [well pleased, ASV] to have imparted” shows that this was no passing whim, but that it was a determined and deliberate practice. The “gospel of God” is the motivation for self-sacrificing. “Souls [lives, NKJ]” is translated from a word that means self, inner self, one’s inmost being. Paul gave not only his time, but his very self to help the Thessalonians grow in the Lord. The reason why he would give himself for them: they “were dear unto us”! When we love God and His people, we will sacrifice to help others in the Lord (cf. Rom. 9:1-3).

Mothers are naturally self-sacrificing for their children. What caring mother among us has not given herself for her children? We thank all caring mothers for their example of self-sacrifice. From their example, all of us can learn. All Christians are to be self-sacrificing. We are to sacrifice ourselves for the Lord. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1). We are to sacrifice ourselves for others. “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 Jn. 3:16).

There is much we can learn from the apostle Paul and motherhood. There is likewise much we can learn from the similarities of motherhood and Christianity. May we all determine to be gentle and self-sacrificing in our work for the Lord and in our influence with others.