Devotion for Sunday, August 22, 2021

“But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7).

Paul continues the word picture of one who freely gives to another and not for gain, but in order to nurture the other in true life.  This is how the good infection of Christianity is spread.  Through the goodness of God’s grace and mercy, we receive the salvation He alone purchased for us from the cross.  Learn from the Lord and be one who nurtures others in the faith that you have received.

Lord, this world is so conditional, to the point that often I am skeptical about what another wants when they are doing a good deed.  Help me, O Lord, to live into the life of faith that You have given me and teach me to nurture others as I have been nurtured.  Guide me, Lord, in this way so that I may mature in faith and learn to take on the role You have in mind for me in my ministry.

Lord Jesus, You prepared the disciples and then sent them into the world to serve You as they served others.  You intend the same for me.  Help me to not be a consumer of the faith, as so many are in this culture, but one who lives the faith, sharing with others as You have shared with me.  Guide me in the ministry You give me in order that I may humbly walk with You my Savior and live into the life of faith You have given me.  Amen.