7 But we proved to be gentle among e you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children . 8 Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives , because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you recall , brethren , our labor and hardship , how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God . 10 You are witnesses , and so is God , how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers ; 11 just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children , 12 so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12
Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12
(Read 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12)
Mildness and tenderness greatly recommend religion, and are most conformable to God's gracious dealing with sinners, in and by the gospel. This is the way to win people. We should not only be faithful to our calling as Christians, but in our particular callings and relations. Our great gospel privilege is, that God has called us to his kingdom and glory. The great gospel duty is, that we walk worthy of God. We should live as becomes those called with such a high and holy calling. Our great business is to honour, serve, and please God, and to seek to be worthy of him.