Paul uses the image of a nurse-mother caring for her children. In the same way, a minister must truly love his people; he must be genuinely concerned about them and their well-being. As Paul was sensitive to the financial pressures which his dependence on them might bring, so a pastor must care about the challenges and pressures that his people face. For one person it will be financial pressure, for another it will be illness, and someone else will be weighed down by family conflicts and responsibilities. Pressures like this can feel unbearable, and a pastor needs to understand their effect on his people.
This love needs to be expressed in practical ways. While a minister must not neglect the ministry of the word in order to serve tables (Acts 6:2–4), he should take note of Paul’s example: the apostle was delighted to share not only the gospel, but his life as well (1 Thessalonians 2:8); with deep love and affection, he was willing to place any part of his time, talents, and abilities at the disposal of the believers in Thessalonica. The life and circumstances of each individual minister are different, and each one will be able to share differently in the lives of his people. What is important, though, is to demonstrate that we do not see people merely as part of our work responsibility,
with all the limitations it implies. They must know from practical experience that we love and understand them as people, and that we are willing to place ourselves at their disposal.
To illustrate this negatively, I was once told about a pastor who was asked to help a couple in the church who were going through marital difficulties. His reply was along these lines: There are office hours when they can come and see me if they need to.
This is not the response of a loving under-shepherd of the Lord Jesus Christ, of a pastor who loves his people and is willing to place himself at their disposal.
7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.