Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. REFLECTIONSWritten by Jesse MorrisonAfter a long list of what Paul is not, he now describes what he is. Two big things challenged me from these verses. First, Paul’s loving care for the believers in Thessalonica. Paul’s work is not motivated by greed or glory, but love. Indeed, Paul loves and nourishes the believers in Thessalonica like a nursing mother would love and nourish her newborn baby. It is difficult to think of a more tender metaphor. How am I going at nurturing my brothers and sisters in their faith, raising them up as a mother would her child? How might the words I use in conversation or my tone of voice communicate something else? If I am honest, my attitude is often not as tender and caring.The second thing which strikes me is how Paul’s love for the Thessalonians meant he delighted in opportunities to share both the gospel and his life. The two go hand in hand. They are both motivated by love. It’s a beautiful picture. It made me consider, is there anyone I am sharing the gospel with but not sharing my life? Or is there anyone I am sharing my life with but not sharing the gospel? Our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as non-Christians, compels us to do both. Pray with me that God would grow our love for our brothers and sisters at St Barnabas and that we would delight in opportunities to share both the gospel and our life.ABOUT THE AUTHORJesse is studying at Moore College and is a Student Minister with our Fairfield congregations.