Affection. 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8.
Saints of the Most High,
Paul now turns his attention to his inner feelings for the Thessalonians. In this, he reveals that his motivation was not some kind of reward-based obedience. Rather, he was driven by love.
Gentleness (v. 7).Probably because of the adversity the Thessalonians were facing, and which Paul himself was both witness and victim of, Paul handled them with the gentleness of a nursing mother. This alludes to their infancy in the faith, as well as their vulnerability in the face of persecution. Paul and his companions did not whip up enthusiasm in the young church and encourage false courage. They recognized the predicament of the Christians and dealt with them with the sensitivity that the situation demanded.
Generosity (v. 8). So loving were the evangelists that they went beyond the call of duty. They had an obligation to preach the gospel and teach the believers how to live. It was the responsibility of the believers to see to the physical and material welfare of the evangelists. Not only did Paul and his companions waive their right to material and financial support by the Thessalonians, but they also shared their “own selves,” an indication that they probably provided financial and material assistance to the Christians. If this was the case, as is likely, it would have been because special circumstances called for it. Later, as we have seen, the Christians sent a gift to Paul when he was in Corinth (Acts 18:5).
The Thessalonians, along with other Macedonian Christians, became very generous to Paul and to his cause. They gave beyond their means and were generous, in spite of their “extreme poverty” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). Our service to God should not be based on a rigid formula. When the situation called for it, Paul reversed the roles and gave, when he was the one entitled to receive. In return, the Thessalonians went out of their way to return his love. Do not be stuck on a rule.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.