1 Thessalonians 2:5-7
There are many different styles of leadership. A person can lead with an authoritarian, transformational, or transactional approach. While aspects of each of these may have their place in the world, within the body of Christ we should reflect something different. Whether we are a leader in a church, at home, or in any other area, one characteristic that we need to grow in is being a gentle leader. A gentle leader will emphasize compassion, empathy, and humility. While these are not characteristics the world will find appealing, they will help us reflect more of the Lord Jesus in our lives.
A good example of this is found in 1 Thessalonians 2:5-7. Having described the way he had not ministered to them, Paul describes his approach to the Thessalonians as gentle and caring. It was unusual then, just as it is now, to lead and serve others with gentleness. The word gentle (ḗpios) means to be mild, easy, peaceable, and meek. Rather than an authoritarian approach, Paul sought to gently lead them in an unselfish manner.
“The preachers treated the people with tenderness and without any trace of superiority.”[1]
Paul continues by picturing his care for them as a mother who cherishes her children. The imagery is one of a mother bird who both warms and protects her newborn young. Although Paul’s ministry was hard at times in Thessalonica, he strove to be warm and tender toward the new Christians. Instead of a harsh, stern, austere character, as these new Christians grew in their faith, Paul endeavored to display something different.
“There’s nothing selfish in a mother’s role. Instead, mothers are in a constant state of giving of themselves to their children. Paul gently and tenderly cradled those infant believers in Thessalonica, nourishing them with the food of God’s word.”[2]
Whether we are a leader in a church, at home, or in any other area, one characteristic that we can all grow in is gentleness. Our culture is harsh, stern, and austere, but Christians should reflect a Christlike gentleness. By doing so, we will be more likely to attract rather than repel the unbelieving world. So, how can you show more gentleness in your interactions with others?
Lord, help me to be gentle and caring in my interactions with others. Whether this is in a role of leadership, at home, or at work, help me reflect this trait in an increasing way. In Jesus name, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] Charles C. Ryrie. 1 & 2 Thessalonians, pg. 34.
[2] Charles Swindoll. Swindoll’s Living Insights – 1 & 2 Thessalonians, pg. 22.
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